Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) offered a deeply personal tribute on Sunday following the death of his colleague Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), calling him a rare breed of political leader and a close friend. Speaking on CNN's 'State of the Union,' Scott said the nation had 'lost a true statesman' and that he personally had lost a trusted ally.
'We don't have many left, but he was a true statesman. But I've lost a friend. It is a morning of mourning for me. It's a powerful reminder that life is fleeting, that we are not here very long,' Scott told host Jake Tapper.
Scott recounted how Graham was among the first senators to welcome him when he arrived in the chamber, a gesture that carried particular weight given the differences in their backgrounds. 'He knew that my path was different. He understood the power of change in South Carolina, how much our state had changed. But he was one of the first folks in the Senate to welcome me in with open arms,' Scott said.
Graham died Saturday at age 71 from what his office described as a 'brief and sudden illness.' The South Carolina Republican was seeking reelection to a fifth term and had served as chair of the Senate Budget Committee, as well as on the Judiciary and Appropriations panels. Known as a defense hawk, he was a fixture in national security debates.
In a statement released early Sunday, Graham's office asked for privacy and prayers. 'Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,' the office wrote on X.
President Donald Trump, who had a complicated political relationship with Graham—once a critic, later a close ally—called him 'one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.' In a post on Truth Social, Trump added, 'He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!'
Graham's sudden death has triggered a succession process under South Carolina law, which allows the governor to appoint a replacement until a special election is held. The state's political landscape is now set for a rapid reshuffling.
For Scott, the loss is both personal and political. 'If I were to tell stories about Lindsey Graham, one of the most important stories is that when I was a new senator, he welcomed me in,' Scott said, emphasizing the bond they shared across their different paths to power.
The news has reverberated beyond the Capitol, with world leaders and former colleagues offering tributes. As the Senate prepares to return to session, the void left by Graham's passing will be felt in committee rooms and on the floor.
