Washington, July 12 (SANA)U.S. RepublicanSenator Lindsey Grahamof South Carolina died on Sunday after what his office described as a sudden illness.

A statement posted on Graham’s X account did not disclose the cause of death. Messages of condolence from U.S. officials and political figures followed, while an official announcement on arrangements to fill his Senate seat is awaited.

Graham was one of theRepublican Party’s most prominent voiceson foreign policy, defense and national security. During more than two decades in the Senate, he was known for his hawkish positions on Iran and Russia and his strong support for increased military spending.

Graham was first elected to theU.S. House of Representativesin 1994 before winning election to the Senate, where he representedSouth Carolinafrom 2003. During his congressional career, he served on several influential committees, including the Senate Armed Services and Judiciary committees, and most recently chaired the Senate Budget Committee.