Lindsey Graham

Lindsey Olin Graham (born July 9, 1955) is an American politician who serves as the senior United States Senator from South Carolina, serving in office since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. He ran for President in 2016.

Lindsey Graham
Graham in 2024
Chair of the Senate Budget Committee
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2025
Preceded by	Sheldon Whitehouse
Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee
In office January 3, 2023 – January 3, 2025
Preceded by	Chuck Grassley
Succeeded by	Dick Durbin
Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee
In office February 3, 2021 – January 3, 2023
Preceded by	Bernie Sanders
Succeeded by	Chuck Grassley
Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee
In office January 3, 2019 – February 3, 2021
Preceded by	Chuck Grassley
Succeeded by	Dick Durbin
United States Senator from South Carolina
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2003 Serving with Tim Scott
Preceded by	Strom Thurmond
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 3rd district
In office January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2003
Preceded by	Butler Derrick
Succeeded by	Gresham Barrett
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 2nd district
In office January 12, 1993 – January 3, 1995
Preceded by	Lowell Ross
Succeeded by	Bill Sandifer III
Personal details
Born	Lindsey Olin Graham (1955-07-09) July 9, 1955 (age 70) Central, South Carolina, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Education	University of South Carolina (BA, JD)
Signature
Website	Senate website Campaign website
Military service
Branch/service	United States Air Force
Years of service	1982–1989 (active) 1989–1995 (guard) 1995–2015 (reserve)
Rank	Colonel
Unit	U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps
Awards	Bronze Star Meritorious Service Medal

Early life

Graham was born on July 9, 1955 in Central, South Carolina.^[1] his parents were Millie and Florence James "F.J." Graham. He studied at the University of South Carolina.

U.S. senator (2003-present)

In 2002, Graham ran for the U.S. Senate after eight-term Republican incumbent Strom Thurmond announced his retirement. Graham won the primary unopposed and defeated Democratic opponent Alex Sanders in the general election.

Graham was re-elected to a second term in 2008, defeating Bob Conley. He won a third term in 2014, defeating Democrat Brad Hutto and Independent Thomas Ravenel.

Graham is known in the Senate for his support for a strong national defense, his support of the military, and as an advocate of strong United States leadership in world affairs.^[2] He is also known for his willingness to be bipartisan and work with Democrats on issues like global warming, tax reform and immigration reform and his belief that judicial nominees should not be opposed solely on their philosophical positions.^{[3][4][5][6][7][8]} He is also a critic of the Tea Party movement.

During his political career, Graham never lost an election.^[9]

2016 presidential campaign

Main article: Lindsey Graham presidential campaign, 2016

On May 18, 2015, Graham informally announced his candidacy for President of the United States; he made a formal announcement on June 1 in his hometown of Central, South Carolina.^[10] After low polling numbers, Graham withdrew from the race on December 21, 2015.^[11] He later announced his support for Jeb Bush for president.

Personal life

Graham has never been married and has no children. He was close friends with the late Arizona senator John McCain.