Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican U.S. senator and a longtime supporter of Israel, has died at the age of 71.
According to a statement from his office, Graham died on Saturday night following “a brief and sudden illness.”
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates the prayers and support during this difficult time and asks that their privacy be respected,” the statement said.
Graham was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and won re-election in 2008, 2014, and 2020. Before serving in the Senate, he represented South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives after being elected in 1994.
He served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was seeking a fifth six-year Senate term in the upcoming November election. One of the Senate’s most recognizable Republican figures, Graham was a leading voice on defense and foreign policy.
Throughout his political career, Graham strongly supported the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and consistently advocated for a tougher military stance toward Iran. He was also a steadfast supporter of Israel and backed former President Donald Trump’s policies toward Iran.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense said on Sunday that it was saddened by Graham’s death, describing him as someone “who stood with Israel in its most difficult time.”
