Senator Lindsey Graham died on Saturday, July 11, after a “sudden illness,” his office confirmed in a statement on X.com.
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” according to the statement. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
There are unconfirmed reports that the South Carolina senator died of a cardiac arrest.
Sen. Graham (left) was scheduled to appear on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday, July 12, to discuss the ongoing absence of Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell (right).
McConnell, 84, hasn’t been seen on Capitol Hill since he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at his D.C. home on June 14.
Graham was a staunch ally of President Donald Trump. He flipped from Trump critic to close friend after he lost to Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
“He’s outstanding. He’s been at my side for a long time,” Trump said at a rally last month.
“After [the 2016] race was over, we were best of friends, and he’s helped me as much as anybody in the Senate,” Trump added.
Graham was criticized after TMZ published photos of him vacationing at Disney World in Florida during the partial government shutdown in March.
Lindsey Graham spotted vacationing in Disney World during government shutdown: pic.twitter.com/fUVNUltnaT
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) March 30, 2026
Photos showed Graham carrying a bubble wand toy and waiting in line at Space Mountain.
TMZ had asked its audience to send pictures of members of Congress on vacation while DHS employees worked without paychecks during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Graham’s personal life was a closely guarded secret. He never married and had no children.
Graham publicly denied rumors that he was gay. He opposed LGBTQ+ rights throughout his political career.
Former LGBTQ Nation editor Bil Browning called Graham’s sexuality “an open secret in Washington, D.C., and his home state of South Carolina.”
In 2025, right-wing activist Laura Loomer said Graham is gay and that his orientation is “well-known” among President Trump’s staff.
Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, as well as various other Senate committees. He planned to run for a fifth Senate term in November.