The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) at age 71 has created an unexpected Senate vacancy but will not immediately change the balance of power in the upper chamber. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R)

The South Carolina senator’s office said the 71-year-old died after a “brief and sudden illness.”

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died Saturday after a brief and unexpected illness, his office said in statement posted on social media.

The South Carolina Republican was running for reelection to his fifth term in the Senate, having begun his tenure in 2003.

The congresswoman will need to make a decision quickly, as South Carolina law states that a special election must be held Aug. 11.