Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died on July 12, 2026, at the age of 70, according to a statement from his office. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Graham had served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and was a prominent voice on foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel.
Graham was a staunch supporter of Israel, advocating for robust U.S. military aid and diplomatic backing. He frequently visited the country and met with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In 2020, he introduced a resolution supporting Israel's right to annex parts of the West Bank, though it did not pass.
Known for his bipartisan approach, Graham worked with Democrats on issues like immigration reform and climate change. He was a close ally of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) until McCain's death in 2018. Graham also served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2021.
Flags at the South Carolina Statehouse were ordered to fly at half-staff in his honor. Tributes poured in from both sides of the aisle, with President Kamala Harris calling him 'a dedicated public servant who always put country first.'
