Vice President JD Vance delivered remarks at the funeral service for Senator Lindsey Graham on Tuesday, remembering the South Carolina Republican as a colleague who 'loved people from all walks of life.' Graham died last week at age 79 after serving four decades in public office.
Graham, first elected to Congress in 1994, was known for his close relationship with former President Donald Trump and his willingness to work across the aisle on issues including immigration reform and foreign policy. He served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and later the Senate Armed Services Committee.
What the Right Is Saying
Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Graham as 'uniquely positioned' in American politics, someone who could speak to members across the political spectrum. 'Lindsey understood that governance requires building relationships, not just winning arguments,' Thune said during floor remarks.
Conservative commentators highlighted Graham's hawkish foreign policy stance and his fierce advocacy for a robust military presence abroad. The Heritage Foundation issued a statement calling him 'a champion for American strength and a tireless advocate for the men and women who serve our country.'
What the Left Is Saying
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described Graham as 'a fighter who never gave up on what he believed in,' calling him 'a force of nature' in a statement following his death. Democrats noted Graham's evolution on issues including same-sex marriage, which he came to support after initially opposing it.
Progressive groups acknowledged Graham's capacity for bipartisan deal-making, particularly referencing his work with the late Senator John McCain on immigration legislation that never became law. 'He could be a partner when the moment called for it,' said a spokesperson for the Progressive Change Campaign Committee.
What the Numbers Show
Graham won each of his six Senate elections with at least 56 percent of the vote, never facing a serious primary challenge during his tenure. He served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2021 and again beginning in 2023.
During his career, Graham authored or co-sponsored more than 700 bills that became law, according to Congress.gov records. His tenure spanned four presidential administrations and he was serving his sixth complete term at the time of his death.
The Bottom Line
Graham's death leaves a vacancy in South Carolina's Senate delegation that Governor Henry McMaster will fill by appointment until a special election can be held. The funeral drew current and former members of Congress from both parties, reflecting Graham's extensive network in Washington.