‘We shall not see his likes again.’ Here’s what leaders said about Sen. Graham’s death

After more than three decades in elected office, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham died after a “brief and sudden illness” Saturday evening, his office said in a statement.

The senior senator’s death received an outpouring of reaction from many of the most powerful people in South Carolina, U.S. and international politics.

In the years before his death, Graham was a close ally of President Donald Trump.

“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday. “Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”

Gov. Henry McMaster, who will be tasked with choosing someone to complete Graham’s term, also mourned his death in a statement. McMaster ordered the flags on government buildings be flown at half staff “until further order” to honor Graham.

“Peggy and I—and our children—are devastated. Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable,” McMaster said. “The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America—and a loyal and steadfast friend. We grieve with Darline, his family and his devoted staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again.”

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, South Carolina’s other senator, wrote the state “lost a statesman” and that he “lost a friend.”

“From his humble beginnings to the Senate floor, Lindsey always led with faith, family and South Carolina first,” Scott said in a statement.

“Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved. He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments,” Scott continued.

Graham was an outspoken advocate for U.S. allies abroad, including Israel and Ukraine. Leaders of both countries issued statements morning Graham’s death.

“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends,” said Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement on social media. “America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”

“Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a statement. “He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week.”

Members of the South Carolina congressional delegation also mourned Graham’s life Sunday morning. U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, a fellow supporter of Ukraine, said Graham “will always be cherished as an American Patriot tireless for peace through strength.”

“All three generations of the Wilson family extend deepest sympathy and appreciation of his dedicated service,” Wilson wrote on social media Sunday.

Democrat U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn expressed his shock and sadness over Graham’s death in a statement Sunday expressing his condolences.

“For more than three decades, we served the people of the Palmetto state together in Congress. Throughout that time, we maintained a relationship grounded in mutual respect, even when our political differences were significant,” Clyburn wrote. His commitment to public service and the people he represented will remain an enduring part of his legacy.”

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace said “South Carolina lost a giant last night.”

“We did not always agree, but no one ever questioned his love for South Carolina or the fight he brought to every room he walked into,” Mace wrote on social media.

U.S. Rep. Russell Fry wrote in a statement that he remembered Graham’s commitment to constituents, saying the senator once told him his small victories were his greatest accomplishments.

“His legacy will be measured not only by history’s biggest moments, but by the countless lives he touched—one person, one family, and one community at a time. South Carolina is better because he served,” Fry said.

U.S. Rep. William Timmons said he was “shocked and saddened” by Graham’s death in a statement on social media.

“Senator Graham was also my friend, and I will miss him, his counsel and working with him on behalf of our fellow South Carolinians,” Timmons said.

U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman said Graham’s family would be in his prayers.

“Senator Graham was a son of South Carolina who loved our state dearly,” Norman said.

Graham was running for a fifth term in the U.S. Senate when he died. Democratic challenger Annie Andrews offered condolences to his family on social media.

“I hope that South Carolinians will join me in setting partisanship aside and offering gratitude to Senator Lindsey Graham for his service to the great state of South Carolina,” Andrews wrote.

Attorney General Alan Wilson, the Republican governor nominee and son of Joe Wilson, said Graham’s love for South Carolina was “unmistakable.”

“I’ve been blessed to know Lindsey for many years,” Wilson wrote on social media. “Behind the tough, relentless advocate the public saw was someone with an incredible sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He could fill a room with stories, make you laugh when you needed it most, and somehow find the right joke even in the middle of the most serious conversations. That wit was matched by an unwavering loyalty to his friends and a generosity that many people never saw.”

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette also mourned Graham.

“He fought tirelessly for our state, our military and our nation, always guided by his deep love for this country and the values and freedoms he cherished,” Evette said. “Beyond his service, we will remember Lindsey for his friendship, his loyalty, and his unwavering commitment to the people he loved.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also paid tribute to Graham in a statement Sunday.

“He was a trusted adviser and colleague to me and many others, and numerous presidents and heads of state have relied on his counsel,” Thune wrote. “His influence on the federal judiciary, our national defense, and his beloved South Carolina will be felt for generations.”

This is a breaking news story and will be updated

This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 8:00 AM with the headline "‘We shall not see his likes again.’ Here’s what leaders said about Sen. Graham’s death."