Following news of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s death Saturday night, several members of Alabama’s congressional delegation took to social media to mourn the South Carolina lawmaker and offer condolences to his family.
“Sad to hear about the passing of my colleague Lindsey,” U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, wrote on X. “He loved this country and fought hard for what he believed in. Praying for his family and friends during this difficult time.”
“Wesley and I are shocked and deeply saddened,” U.S. Senator Katie Britt, R-Alabama, said. “Lindsey was a true and dear friend, a great leader, and a fierce advocate for the people of South Carolina. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know him, learn from him, and serve alongside him. He not only graciously welcomed me to the Senate and gave me a seat at the table, but he also took time with my family in a meaningful and impactful way.”
“Whether he was addressing an issue facing South Carolina or standing up for America’s interests on the world stage, he had vision and purpose, and he used both to tackle challenges others thought impossible,” Britt continued. “He possessed a rare combination of brilliance, acumen, and wit that brought levity to some of the most difficult moments, always allowing for a brief reprieve before refocusing on what lay ahead.”
Britt called Graham’s death a “tremendous loss for our nation” and said his “presence in the Senate cannot be replaced.”
“Caroline and I are saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham,” U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama, said. “He devoted decades of his life to serving the people of South Carolina and our nation with conviction and dedication. We are praying for his family, friends and staff during this difficult time.”
U.S. Representative Gary Palmer, R-Alabama, said he was “very saddened” to learn of Graham’s death, calling him an “iconic figure in the United States Senate who will long be remembered for his patriotism and his dedication to our country.”
“I join my colleagues in mourning this heartbreaking loss,” U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, wrote on X. “Lindsey was a true patriot and he will be missed.”
U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, also offered her condolences.
“I am saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham,” Sewell wrote on X. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and the people of South Carolina. Senator Graham dedicated decades of service to his state and to our nation. May he Rest in Peace.”
Graham’s office said the 71-year-old senator died after a “brief and sudden illness.” He had returned from a trip to Ukraine the day before his death and announced that he and the Trump administration had reached an agreement to pass a package of heavy sanctions against Russia.
Graham chaired the Senate Budget Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs. He was also one of the Senate’s most hawkish members. Once a staunch critic of President Donald Trump, Graham became one of the president’s most devoted Republican allies. He was also expected to become chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee in the next Congress.
Graham’s death will further narrow the Republican Party’s slim Senate majority, costing the party a vote until South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appoints a replacement to serve the remainder of Graham’s term. Combined with the absence of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, whose health has been the subject of intense speculation since his hospitalization in June, the Republican Senate vote count has effectively fallen to 51.
Graham was also seeking reelection in November and was heavily favored to defeat Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election. A special primary election will now be needed to select the Republican nominee to replace Graham on the ballot in heavily Republican South Carolina.
