Lawmakers React to the Death of Senator Lindsey Graham

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71 following what his office described as a brief and sudden illness after returning to Washington from a trip to Ukraine. Subsequent reports said Graham suffered an aortic dissection, also known as an aortic tear.

Flags at the White House and the U.S. Capitol were lowered to half-staff in his honor as tributes poured in from leaders across the country and around the world.

First elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 after serving in the House of Representatives, Graham became one of the Republican Party's most prominent voices on foreign policy and national security. He was known for his strong support of Israel and Ukraine and for advocating a more assertive American role overseas.

Graham also mounted a bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 before later becoming a close ally of President Donald Trump.

His final trip to Ukraine came as he worked to build support for bipartisan sanctions legislation targeting Russia.

California leaders also reacted to the news. Adam Schiff reflected on Graham's ability to maintain personal relationships across political divides despite policy disagreements, while Congressman Ken Calvert called Graham a "patriot who dedicated his life to public service."

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is expected to appoint an interim replacement while a special election process moves forward to fill the seat.