From his humble beginnings in rural South Carolina to global political prominence, Sen. Lindsey Graham is being remembered for the influential impact he had as a long-serving American statesman.
SC State University:
"On behalf of the South Carolina State University community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Our university shares a personal connection with the Graham family through his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, who earned a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from SC State in fall 2009. Sen. Graham understood that higher education is an investment in South Carolina's future, creating opportunities, strengthening the workforce and preparing the next generation of leaders.
Sen. Graham lived a life of service. From his distinguished military career in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve to his decades representing South Carolina in Congress, he devoted himself to serving both our state and our nation. His commitment to national defense, the men and women of our armed forces and the security of our country defined much of his public life.
We join South Carolinians across the state in honoring Sen. Graham's life of service. His legacy of leadership, public service and dedication to South Carolina and the nation will endure. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Graham family, their loved ones and all who mourn his loss."
Col. (Ret.) Alexander Conyers
13th President
Douglas D. Gantt
Chairman, Board of Trustees
South Carolina State University
D.W. Daniel High School Principal Adam Russell:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Senator Lindsey Graham, a D.W. Daniel High alumnus. His service to our state and nation will be remembered, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those touched by his legacy.”
“Senator Lindsey Graham graduated from D.W. Daniel High School in 1973, and remained a proud alumnus speaking at graduation and joining his classmates during their 50th reunion a few years ago.”
Former President George W. Bush:
"Laura and I were saddened to wake up to the shocking news of Senator Lindsey Graham's death. He was a knowledgeable Senator who understood how the world works and how important America's international engagement is to resist tyranny. He was a kind and funny man who loved our…
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) July 12, 2026
Former President Joe Biden:
Jill and I are shocked by the sudden passing of Lindsey Graham.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 12, 2026
Lindsey and I served together in Congress for over a decade, and worked closely on many issues throughout the years. We traveled the world together as members of the Senate Foreign Relations committee. We disagreed…
Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette:
My family and I are heartbroken by the news of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham's sudden and unexpected passing.
— Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (@PamelaEvette) July 12, 2026
For decades, Lindsey dedicated his life to serving the people of South Carolina with unwavering conviction. He fought tirelessly for our state, our military,…
Secretary of State Marco Rubio:
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 12, 2026
Lindsey was a patriot and dedicated public servant. He loved South Carolina and America, and dedicated decades to defending both.
Jeanette and I are praying for him and his family — may he rest in peace.
U.S. Representative Russell Fry:
The unexpected loss of Senator Lindsey Graham is difficult to comprehend. South Carolina has lost an extraordinary public servant, and our nation has lost a consequential leader. We grieve alongside his sister, his devoted staff, and all who knew and loved him, and we pray that…
— Congressman Russell Fry (@RepRussellFry) July 12, 2026
Vice President JD Vance:
Lindsey Graham came from humble beginnings and became one of the most powerful lawmakers in the most powerful nation on Earth. His story was a fundamentally American one.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) July 12, 2026
Early in my Senate tenure, I remember getting into a shouting match with Lindsey about a Ukraine funding…
U.S. Representative Nancy Mace:
South Carolina lost a giant last night. For more than three decades, Lindsey Graham gave everything he had to this state and this country, from the Air Force to the United States Senate.
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) July 12, 2026
We did not always agree, but no one ever questioned his love for South Carolina or the… pic.twitter.com/z2TWipUYHY
U.S. Representative Ralph Norman:
South Carolina lost a devoted public servant.
— Rep. Ralph Norman (@RepRalphNorman) July 12, 2026
Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated his life to serving our state and our country. His passing is a tremendous loss.
Elaine and I are praying for his family, his staff, and the countless friends whose lives he touched. May God grant…
Democratic U.S Senator Elizabeth Warren:
I got to know Senator Lindsey Graham traveling with him abroad in Afghanistan and Ukraine. We had just met to renew the fight for our Big Tech bill.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 12, 2026
Even though we disagreed on much, he was always willing to negotiate, with humor and wit.
My heart goes out to his loved ones.
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley:
Lindsey loved South Carolina deeply. There was never a day he stopped fighting for the people of our state.
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) July 12, 2026
Through his military service and years in public office, he gave his all to protect America and our freedom-loving allies.
He was truly one of a kind.
Michael and I are…
Democratic Nominee For U.S. Senate Dr. Annie Andrews:
I hope that South Carolinians will join me in setting partisanship aside and offering gratitude to Senator Lindsey Graham for his service to the great state of South Carolina. pic.twitter.com/aMrwOZUPPM
— Dr. Annie Andrews (@AnnieAndrewsMD) July 12, 2026
The University of South Carolina:
"Our university community is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of our most eminent and accomplished alumni and a steadfast friend of the University of South Carolina. Through more than three decades of distinguished public service, Sen. Graham was a frequent visitor to USC and a stalwart supporter of the university’s mission, championing programs such as the Rule of Law Collaborative, our new Brain Health Center, and cutting-edge energy and defense research. A two-time USC alumnus, he welcomed opportunities to assist our students with career-building internships and provided countless opportunities to fellow Gamecocks. We are remembering him with gratitude for his tireless service to our state and our country, and we extend heartfelt condolences on behalf of the USC community to Sen. Graham’s family, staff and friends during this difficult time."
Michael Amiridis, President
Thad Westbrook, Chair, Board of Trustees
City of Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann:
Democratic Nominee For SC Governor Dr. Jermaine Johnson:
Today, we pause to honor a life dedicated to public service. While we often stood on opposite sides of policy and politics, today is about recognizing Senator Lindsey Graham’s decades of service to SC and our nation. pic.twitter.com/tkK1XwJ20q
— Jermaine Johnson 🇺🇸 (@Dr_JLJohnson) July 12, 2026
Republican Nominee For SC Governor Attorney General Alan Wilson:
Today, Jennifer and I join all South Carolinians in mourning the passing of my friend, Senator Lindsey Graham.
— Alan Wilson (@AGAlanWilson) July 12, 2026
For more than three decades, Lindsey dedicated his life to serving South Carolina and our nation. From his service in the United States Air Force to the U.S. House and…
Representative Jim Clyburn:
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. Our political relationship was sometimes partisan and passionate, but always pleasant and productive on behalf of the people of South Carolina. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Darlene…
— James E. Clyburn (@RepJamesClyburn) July 12, 2026
President Donald Trump:
U.S. Senator Tim Scott:
South Carolina lost a statesman and I’ve lost a friend.
— Senator Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) July 12, 2026
My prayers are with his sister and the rest of his family.
From his humble beginnings to the Senate floor, Lindsey always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first.
Lindsey remained committed to public service…
Governor Henry McMaster:
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio will continue to provide special, comprehensive coverage of the late senator, his impact on politics, his community and foreign affairs.
