In Washington, He Was a Power Broker. In South Carolina, He Was ‘Just Lindsey.’

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, died at age 71 due to an aortic tear related to hardening arteries. Graham, who had just returned from a trip to Ukraine, was seen as a key figure in Washington, known for his hawkish foreign policy stance and his close, albeit sometimes tumultuous, relationship with former President Donald Trump. He often traveled globally to advocate for an aggressive U.S. foreign policy, particularly supporting interventions in the Middle East after 9/11 and confronting Russia and Iran. He had recently secured a deal with the Trump administration for new sanctions against Russia.

Graham's political journey began from humble beginnings, growing up in the back of his parents' pool hall, bar, and restaurant in Central, South Carolina. After serving in the Air Force as a military lawyer, rising to chief prosecutor in Europe, he entered politics, winning a statehouse seat in 1992 and a U.S. House seat in 1994. He later won a Senate seat in 2002 when long-serving Senator Strom Thurmond retired. In the Senate, Graham forged close relationships, notably with John McCain and Joe Lieberman, forming the "Three Amigos" who advocated for U.S. intervention abroad.

His relationship with Donald Trump evolved significantly. Initially, a strong opponent of Trump during the 2016 presidential primaries, Graham later became one of his staunchest allies, frequently golfing with the president and acting as an intermediary to the White House. Their relationship briefly fractured after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack but soon reconciled. Graham played a crucial role in judicial appointments, notably defending Brett Kavanaugh during his Supreme Court confirmation. As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, he also helped pass significant legislation, including a tax law.

Graham's influence extended to many areas of policy. He was involved in the impeachment proceedings against Bill Clinton and later championed a bipartisan immigration overhaul in 2013, which passed the Senate but failed in the House. Known for his ability to bridge divides and his sense of humor, Graham was often described as a dealmaker despite his partisan side. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement, with a special primary and election to follow to fill his Senate seat.