Lindsey Graham Biography

Lindsey Graham was a U.S. Senator from South Carolina from 2003 until 2026, serving almost four full terms. He was first elected in 2022 and then re-elected in 2008, 2014 and 2020, and was running for a fifth term when he died suddenly in 2026.

A Republican with an early history of bipartisan deal-making, Lindsey Graham later became known for his sudden and enthusiastic heel turn in support of President Donald Trump.

Lindsey Graham grew up in a small town in South Carolina, where his parents ran a pool hall and restaurant. When he was a young man, his parents died within 15 months of each other and Graham took care of his younger sister while attending the University of South Carolina for undergraduate and law degrees (1977 and 1981).

Graham was a lawyer in the United States Air Force for six years, and was then a member of South Carolina’s Air National Guard and the United States Air Force Reserve. He retired in 2015 after 33 years in the military, at the rank of colonel. After one term in the South Carolina legislature, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1995 and served there until 2003, when he replaced Strom Thurmond as a South Carolina senator.

Graham made his mark as a supporter of an aggressive foreign policy and advocate for the military. He was also known for making deals with Democrats, often partnering with fellow Republican John McCain.

Graham announced his run for the presidency in 2015, and vied with Trump for the GOP nomination. At the time, Graham called Trump “a kook” and said, “I think he’s crazy. I think he’s unfit for office.” For his part, Trump called Graham “a nut job,” and said, “He’s one of the dumbest human beings I’ve ever seen.”

By 2018, however, Graham was often seen on the news defending Trump’s behavior and comments, and downplaying any legislative disagreements. Later they became golfing buddies and Graham advised Trump on foreign relations with Israel and Ukraine, with Graham being a strong supporter of both.

Lindsey Graham died suddenly after having a medical emergency at his home in Washington, D.C. on June 11, 2026. His staff called it a “brief and sudden illness,” but early medical reports said that he died from an “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease” — that is, a tear in his aorta.