(The Center Square) – South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s strongest allies in the U.S. Senate and a former presidential candidate, died Saturday night after a brief illness, a statement from his office said. He was 71.

“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” a statement from his office said.

On social media, Trump called Graham a true patriot.

“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!!” Trump posted.

Graham, first elected to the Senate in 2002, was running for reelection.

His political career began in 1996 in the U.S. House of Representatives as the first Republican to win in the South Carolina Third Congressional District since 1877.

Graham ran for president in 2015 in a crowded Republican primary field that included then Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, then Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Ted Cruz and Trump.

He dropped out of the race six months after announcing his candidacy.

The South Carolina native was an Air Force veteran, serving as a lawyer for six years, and served in the South Carolina Air National Guard until 1995.