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2026-07-13 13:36:25
[US Senator Lindsey Graham Dies of Aortic Dissection at Age 71, Shifting Senate Political Landscape] (1) South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham died last Saturday from a “sudden, brief illness” at the age of 71. The Washington, D.C. chief medical examiner preliminarily determined the cause of death to be aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Graham served 23 years in the Senate, serving four consecutive terms, and was still in Kyiv meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky the day before his death. (2) Members of both parties expressed their condolences. Massachusetts Democratic Senator Warren said that although the two sides disagreed on many issues, Graham was always willing to negotiate with humor and wit; Texas Senator Cruz shared a photo of the two traveling together in Paris; Senate Majority Leader Thune praised Graham’s profound influence on the U.S. defense and federal justice system, saying it will last for generations. (3) Under South Carolina law, Governor McMaster (Republican) will appoint a successor to complete Graham’s remaining term (until January 3, 2027). Since Graham had won the primary and was expected to be re-elected, his death meant that the state would have to hold a special Republican primary on August 11, with the candidate filing period from July 21 to 28, and the runoff (if necessary) scheduled for August 25. Several Republicans, including Representative Mays and Representative Norman, have expressed their intention to run, while President Trump said he had candidates but would not reveal them yet. (4) Graham's death left vacancies on several committees. He had been the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee since January 2025. The committee currently has 10 seats each for Republicans and Democrats, and the agenda and chairing arrangements for Tuesday's meeting are yet to be confirmed. Wisconsin Senator Johnson has indicated that he is ready to take over as chairman of the budget committee. Meanwhile, due to Graham's death and Senator McConnell's continued hospitalization, Democrats temporarily hold a 14-13 majority in the appropriations committee.
