politics

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for July 22, 2026: we look back at the life of and some moments of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s 30-plus years in public office, comments from his friends, family, and colleagues, and the people who are already looking to become the nominee in a lightning-quick special primary election.

“C” is for Cooper, Thomas (1759-1839). Educator, scientist.

“C” is for Cooper, Thomas (1759-1839). Educator, scientist.

“C” is for Cooper, Robert Archer (1874-1953). Governor.

“C” is for Cooper, Robert Archer (1874-1953). Governor.

Darline Graham will serve out her brother's term following his sudden death while a special primary election is held.

“P” is for Progressive Democratic Party. Aware that many White Democrats in South Carolina opposed President Franklin D. Roosevelt's reelection to a fourth term, African American activists sought to demonstrate their loyalty to the National Party by mobilizing Black support for the president. By May 1944, that effort had morphed into the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

“P” is for Progressive Democratic Party. Aware that many White Democrats in South Carolina opposed President Franklin D. Roosevelt's reelection to a fourth term, African American activists sought to demonstrate their loyalty to the National Party by mobilizing Black support for the president. By May 1944, that effort had morphed into the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

“B” is for Brown, Edgar Allan (1888-1975). Edgar Allan Brown was a fiscal conservative and politically was one of the most powerful men in state government through his position as president pro tempore of the Senate and chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

“B” is for Brown, Edgar Allan (1888-1975). Edgar Allan Brown was a fiscal conservative and politically was one of the most powerful men in state government through his position as president pro tempore of the Senate and chair of the Senate Finance Committee.