The sudden death of longtime US Senator Lindsey Graham could impact the country's politics and upend the balance of power in Congress ahead of midterm elections. The 71-year-old Republican was a close ally of President Donald Trump on domestic and international matters, including the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.

On Saturday evening, shortly after returning from a business trip to Kyiv, emergency services were called to Graham's residence. His office initially said he died of a 'sudden and brief' illness, but later revealed that a tear in his aorta was the cause. Trump joined an NBC news program on Sunday to hail his late ally as a 'natural-born, hard-working politician' and said they had spoken just hours before his death.

Graham's death narrows the Republican majority in the Senate to 51, with Senator Mitch McConnell also hospitalized. This reduced majority may create difficulties for the Republicans in increasing military funding and confirming Trump's nominees. Iranian state television celebrated Graham's death, calling him a 'warmongering and anti-Iranian US senator.'

Graham was one of the strongest advocates for military aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. A day before his death, he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Experts say his loss could weaken hawkish voices in the Senate and impact debates on US security presence in Europe.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster must appoint a temporary replacement for Graham. A primary election is set for August 11, with a possible runoff on August 25. Trump has hinted at backing a candidate to replace Graham, but declined to name anyone, saying 'it's just too soon with Lindsey.'

Source: www.aljazeera.com