Key facts
- Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died at age 71.
- Graham served as a US Senator for South Carolina for four terms.
- His sister, Darline, has been sworn in to complete his term.
- Republicans must select a candidate for the upcoming midterm elections within a month.
Lindsey Graham, a prominent US Senator from South Carolina, has died at the age of 71. His sudden passing leaves a significant void in Washington and his home state, which elected him to the Senate four times. Graham's political journey, marked by a transformation from a conservative Republican to a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, reflects the complex and often contradictory nature of South Carolina itself.
Graham's early life was shaped by his upbringing in Central, South Carolina, where his parents owned a restaurant, bar, and pool hall. He was the first in his family to attend college and later served as a judge advocate general in the Air Force. He entered politics during the "Republican Revolution" of 1994, eventually succeeding Strom Thurmond in the Senate.
Colleagues and commentators noted Graham's exceptional constituent service and his ability to connect with people, often described as having a "salty charm" and a knack for storytelling. He was known for his willingness to engage with the media and work across the aisle, particularly earlier in his career. However, his political evolution, especially his alignment with Donald Trump, became a defining aspect of his later career.
Republicans now face the challenge of selecting a candidate to replace Graham in the upcoming midterm elections, with a deadline of one month to organize a primary. His sister, Darline Graham, has been sworn in to serve out the remainder of his unexpired Senate term.