Virginia’s U.S. senators have offered their condolences on the unexpected passing of their colleague from South Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died Sunday after a “brief illness”.
Sen. Mark Warner, Virginia’s senior senator, released a statement saying he was “heartbroken” to learn of the death of the prominent Republican lawmaker.
“Lindsey and I disagreed on plenty over the years,” said Warner, a Democrat, “but I never doubted his love for this country or his commitment to serving it. He was a fierce advocate for the causes he believed in, especially our nation’s security and the men and women of our armed forces.”
Warner, though, said he’ll also remember his peer’s sense of humor.
“He had a quick wit, a sharp laugh and an uncanny ability to break the tension with a well-timed joke or story. Even in the toughest moments, he never lost his ability to connect with people, and those personal relationships often mattered more to him than the political disagreements of the day.
“Lisa and I are keeping Lindsey’s family, his devoted staff, the people of South Carolina and everyone who loved him in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Warner said, mentioning his wife.
Sen. Tim Kaine — Virginia’s junior senator and a Democrat — posted on X.
“I was shocked to hear of Lindsey Graham’s death,” Kaine wrote. “I deeply appreciated Lindsey’s strong support for Ukraine and hope the Senate will honor his memory by promptly passing the Russia sanctions bill he championed. My condolences to his friends and family and to the state he loved.”
