South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who died July 11 at age 71, is being remembered by colleagues and commentators as a significant figure in American politics known for his sharp intellect, passion for issues, and a unique ability to build bridges across the political aisle. Bret Baier, anchor and executive editor of Special Report on Fox News, highlighted Graham's impactful career, noting his pivotal role in foreign policy discussions and his recent engagement in efforts to broker peace in Ukraine.
Graham's political career began in 1992 in the South Carolina House, followed by eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives, and then his election to the U.S. Senate in 2003, where he served until his death. He also held a simultaneous commission in the Air Force Reserves from 1995 to 2015. His passing prompted numerous tributes, with many recalling his dedication to finding common ground on challenging public issues.
Baier recalled Graham's willingness to work with anyone to achieve legislative goals, stating that Graham "never let the differences get in the way—although he never pulled his punches when he disagreed, and he did passionately disagree with the left on many occasions." This approach drew praise from across the political spectrum.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) shared a personal anecdote about Graham's support for the Dream Act, a bill providing protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Durbin noted that Graham's co-sponsorship of the bill, introduced over 20 years prior, required significant courage, especially as immigration issues became increasingly contentious. "At a time when issues surrounding immigration were becoming politically toxic, Lindsey stuck his neck out for me and for these young people. I will never ever forget," Durbin stated.
Senator Corey Booker (D-N.J.) also spoke of Graham's distinctive approach to legislating. He recounted how a White House negotiator once described Graham as an "unguided missile" whose impact was unpredictable, but who, when aligned on an issue, could achieve outcomes others could not. Booker admired Graham's ability to bring "a lot of light and new possibilities to the efforts."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, visibly emotional, spoke of the emptiness felt in the Senate halls without Graham. He described Graham as a friend to many on both sides of the aisle, noting that even ideological rivals found sincere praise for him in the days following his death.
Graham's ability to foster relationships, even with those with whom he held deep ideological differences, was evident in various settings. Baier recounted hosting a debate between Graham and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute. Despite their contrasting viewpoints, Graham expressed admiration for the late Senators Ted Kennedy and Orrin Hatch, whom he saw as exemplars of bipartisan cooperation. He noted their ability to "fight like tigers, but they could work together," a sentiment he extended to his own relationship with Sanders, whom he also liked despite their differing takes on many issues.
Graham's embrace of collegiality extended to his presidential campaign in 2015, where he praised the relationship between Republican President Ronald Reagan and Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, who regularly met for drinks. Graham pledged to emulate this by prioritizing social interaction, stating, "That’s the first thing I’m going to do as president. We’re going to drink more."
Beyond his political endeavors, Graham was known for his love of golf, which he viewed as a crucial social bonding activity. Baier described him as a fun, if not particularly skilled, golf partner, possessed of a quality that made people feel good in his company—a trait he brought to his roles as a friend and a statesman.
Following Graham's death, his sister, Darline Graham, was appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to fill his Senate term, which concludes at the start of 2027. She had previously described her brother as "a brother, a father and a mother rolled into one" after their parents died when Lindsey was 20 and Darline was 13, a period during which he became her legal guardian.