The sudden and unexpected passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has left the nation in shock. Reports suggest that Graham had planned to hold off on seeking medical assistance until after his scheduled appearance on a prominent TV show.
Before his death, Graham told an individual that he was feeling unwell, but when pushed to get medical attention, he reportedly said he would wait until after his TV appearance. In one of what could have been his final conversations, Graham expressed his concerns about leaving unfinished business, stating that he had "still got to do the Russia sanctions, get Iran sorted out and do Israeli-Saudi normalization."
Graham's death was caused by aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to his office. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when a tear occurs in the inner wall of the aorta, the body's main artery.
President Donald Trump was among those who were deeply affected by Graham's passing. Trump had reportedly last spoken with Graham before his death and described him as "a member of the family." Graham's office has confirmed that the death certificate will be pending until all toxicological and microscopic testing are finalized.
One of Graham's top priorities before his death was normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, a goal he had been working towards for some time. He had also been pushing for the passage of a Russia sanctions package, which was seen as a key part of his foreign policy agenda.
The death of Sen. Graham has left a power vacuum in the upper chamber and a scramble behind the scenes to replace him in South Carolina. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman are both eyeing the seat and possible bids for the GOP nomination in the forthcoming special election.
The loss of Graham also jeopardizes elements of Trump's agenda, including the annual National Defense Authorization Act, nominations, and his SAVE America Act, which Graham had strongly supported.
