Senator Lindsey Graham: Memorial, Career, and Interim Appointment

The late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham will be commemorated in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, July 28. His office made this announcement on Friday. Following this, funeral services in South Carolina will occur in Pickens County and Columbia. More details about these services will be provided by Graham’s office.

Senator Tim Scott, also from South Carolina, mentioned earlier in the week that an offer had been made for Graham’s body to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol. However, whether Graham’s family accepted this offer remains undetermined, as his office’s statement did not address it.

Senator Lindsey Graham Dies From Aortic Dissection

Graham passed away Saturday night at the age of 71 following an acute aortic dissection. This condition involves a tear in the inner layer of the body’s primary artery and can quickly become life-threatening if blood seeps between the aorta’s layers, leading to rupture. According to Graham’s office, he died surrounded by his family and close friends.

What to Know About Lindsey Graham’s Political Career

Lindsey Graham spent over 30 years in Congress, initially serving four terms in the House of Representatives before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002. As a former Air Force lawyer and part of the House Judiciary Committee during President Bill Clinton’s impeachment, Graham established himself as a notable figure in national security, military affairs, and foreign policy.

In the Senate, Graham was closely linked to the late Senator John McCain from Arizona and strongly advocated for a proactive U.S. presence globally. He often collaborated across party lines on issues like immigration and campaign finance, gaining recognition as one of the Senate’s influential Republican dealmakers.

During the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Graham emerged as a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, cautioning that Trump’s nomination could harm the party. They exchanged public insults, and Graham supported other candidates as he pursued an unsuccessful presidential bid himself. However, after Trump’s election, Graham became one of Trump’s steadfast supporters in Washington, accompanying him on golfing trips, endorsing his judicial nominations, and defending him during impeachment trials. This shift marked a significant political alignment during the Trump era and characterized much of Graham’s later Senate tenure.

Senator Lindsey Graham’s Sister Appointed Interim Senator

Republican South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as interim senator until a special election determines who will serve the remainder of his term. Her appointment ensures continuous state representation in the Senate while preparations for an election are underway.

Nordone, a long-standing South Carolina resident, has experience in both state government and the private sector and was commonly seen alongside her brother throughout his political journey. Governor McMaster stated that her appointment would provide stability during this mourning period while allowing voters to select a permanent successor in the special election.

Updates on this story will follow.

Contact Newsweek editors: Gabe Whisnant and Edward T. Cummins.