Florida Republican lawmakers reacted to the sudden passing of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) throughout social media on Sunday. According to his office, Graham died of a "brief and sudden illness" after returning home from Kiev, Ukraine.
"My family and I mourn the sudden passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham," Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) wrote. "There are people in this world who have the ability to change the air in a room through wit, humor, well-placed arguments, reason, or impassioned appeals. Lindsey Graham had the uncanny ability to pull them all off at once."
"His loss will leave a gaping hole in the fabric of our conference and will be felt immensely as we navigate the challenges facing our nation. We will pray for his family, friends, and all who loved him during this difficult time," Moody added.
Sen. Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002. He also served South Carolina's 3rd congressional district from 1995 to 2003 and in the South Carolina House from 1993 to 1995.
According to multiple reports, Sen. Graham died of an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
"Anne and I are shocked and heartbroken to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham," Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) wrote. We ask that you join us in keeping his family, friends, and team in your prayers during this time."
"Lindsey was a good friend and a dedicated public servant for the people of South Carolina and the United States. He knew what it was like to rise up from difficult circumstances and build a life of purpose," Scott continued. Through his time in the Air Force and in Congress, Lindsey dedicated his career to America’s national defense and freedom around the world. I was grateful to work with him. He will be greatly missed as a legislator and a friend."
Graham served in U.S. Air Force as a lawyer from 1982 to 1989. He also was a member of the South Carolina Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserves before retiring as a colonel in 2015.
"I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham," U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) wrote. Lindsey dedicated his entire life to serving this country—both in the U.S. Air Force and in Congress. He was an incredibly effective lawmaker who always led with courage and deep conviction. He always did what he thought was right even if it wasn’t popular, leaving behind a massive legacy of leadership that won't be forgotten."
"Erika and I send our prayers to Lindsey’s family and the people of South Carolina. May he rest in peace," Donalds added.
President Donald Trump, a close friend to Graham over the past decade, ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the late senator until Saturday July 18. Trump called Graham a "true American Patriot" on Truth Social following his passing.
Graham, who once clashed with President Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, said Trump was "not far behind god" following the senator's Republican primary election victory in South Carolina last month.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham," U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar wrote. "Lindsey was a true patriot and a devoted public servant who dedicated decades of his life to our country. His service and commitment to the American people leave a lasting mark on our nation. My prayers are with his family, his loved ones, and the people of South Carolina during this difficult time. May he rest in peace."
U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez added, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. He leaves behind a legacy of dedicated public service, a commitment to national security, and an unwavering fight for freedom. Lourdes & I are praying for his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace."
Graham was set to face Democratic challenger Annie Andrews in South Carolina's U.S. Senate general election in November. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint an interim senator to serve the remainder of Graham's term until Jan. 3, 2027.
A special Senate Republican primary election will also occur to replace Graham on Aug. 11.
