Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina dies at 71

(ABC News) -- Lindsey Graham, a longtime Republican senator from South Carolina, died on Saturday after a "brief and sudden" illness, his office said in a statement. He was 71.

"Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," said the statement, which was posted early Sunday on social media.

First elected to the Senate in 2002, Graham had since risen to be one of the chamber's most prominent figures. He won reelection three times, most recently in 2020. He served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was a member of the Appropriations, Judiciary and Environment and Public Works committees.

Before his time in the Senate, Graham had served in the House, where he represented South Carolina's third district. He was elected to that office in 1994.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.