BREAKING: Longtime South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham dead at 71

SOUTH CAROLINA -- Longtime U.S Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71. His office and family confirmed the news early sunday morning. Graham died from a "sudden illness". 

Graham, one of the most prominent figures in the republican sphere since he was first elected in 2002 -- Graham won re-election three times -- serving as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. Graham was also on the appropriations -- judiciary, environment, and public works committees. 

Graham also served in the House starting in 1994 -- representing South Carolina's 3rd district.  

In recent years, Graham traveled the globe advocating for several Trump-era policies and military strength 

There are limited details at this time, but we will update this story as more information becomes available