Lindsey Graham Dies

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died Saturday night at age 71 after a “brief and sudden illness.”

Police scanner audio indicates that emergency personnel responded to a “cardiac arrest” call at Graham’s Capitol Hill residence. Staff said Graham gave no indication of feeling unwell prior to his death.

The conservative Republican was elected to the Senate in 2002 and was running for a fifth term. Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and a critic-turned-ally of President Trump, the retired Air Force colonel was an influential GOP voice on defense and foreign policy. #47 called the South Carolinian “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.”

SC Republicans must hold a special primary by August 11 to choose their new November candidate, and Gov. McMaster (R) will appoint someone to fill Graham’s seat until January 3.

RADIATE HOPE
Unexpected deaths confront us with the brevity and fragility of human life. The hope of resurrection doesn’t mean we don’t grieve real sorrows but reminds us that death will not have the final word. Pray for the late senator’s loved ones, for his colleagues, and for South Carolinians to experience the comfort and hope of Jesus.

“On this mountain… up death once and for all. The LORD GOD will wipe away the tears... On that day it will be said, ‘Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him. Let’s rejoice and be glad in his salvation.’”
Isaiah 25:7–9 (CSB) (read full passage)

Jason & Steph will lead a 5-minute guided prayer for when a public figure passes in Wednesday’s edition of Praying the News (PTN). Sign up here; we’ll text you.