Lindsey Graham dies after ‘brief and sudden illness’

and was scheduled to appear on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday.

Graham was first elected to the House in 1994 and then to the Senate in 2002. He had been running for re-election in the upcoming November midterms against Democrat Annie Andrews.

His death comes as concerns and speculation surround the condition of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY).