Lawmakers paid tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham on Monday afternoon at the U.S. Capitol following his unexpected death over the weekend. Graham, a prominent Republican and close ally of former President Donald Trump, passed away Saturday night due to what his office described as a "sudden" heart complication.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune became emotional on the Senate floor during his remarks commemorating Graham's life and career. "We will laugh together again," Thune said, visibly moved, adding, "I will miss Lindsey's friendship more than [he] can say."
In accordance with Senate tradition, Graham's desk in the chamber was draped in black cloth and adorned with white roses. His sister, Darline Graham Nordone, has been appointed as the interim replacement to serve the remainder of his term. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced the appointment on Monday. A special Republican primary election is scheduled for August 11th to select the nominee for the full six-year term.
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina was present with Governor McMaster and Nordone in Columbia when the appointment was made. Following President Trump's endorsement of Nordone, Scott stated that he concluded, "after speaking with Darline, there is no one better who understands Lindsey's love for family, our state, and our country."
Senator Katie Britt, another close associate of Graham's, expressed that "there is no one more fitting to finish Lindsey's term than Darline, whom he loved dearly and who understands the needs of South Carolinians so deeply." Britt added, "I stand ready to welcome Darline to the Senate and work alongside her to continue the work of my dear friend. There is no doubt that Lindsey will be smiling down from above as she is sworn in to fight for the state and nation to which he dedicated his life and had his unwavering commitment."
Graham's passing, announced early Sunday morning, created the vacancy for South Carolina's Senate seat. His office released a statement shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday, specifying the cause of death as "aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease." The death certificate remains pending further toxicological and microscopic testing.
A 911 call reporting "cardiac arrest" was made from Graham's residence around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. FBI agents were observed at Graham's Washington, D.C. residence in the days following his death, with Director Kash Patel stating the agency was "assisting local authorities and has made every necessary resource available."
Graham was known for his vocal support of U.S. involvement in international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and tensions with Iran.