MOST RATEDWESH
Trump says South Carolina governor should appoint Lindsey Graham's sister to finish his term
Graham’s death leaves Senate Republicans facing a vacancy and the loss of a prominent ally and negotiator.
Congress80%
DIED IN OFFICE · U.S. SENATOR (R-SC) · 2003–2026DIED IN OFFICE · U.S. SENATOR (R-SC)
Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Graham represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate from 2003 and died in office on July 11, 2026. Succeeded by Darline Graham.
A lawyer and Air Force judge advocate, Graham represented South Carolina’s 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House from 1995 to 2003.
Graham earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina in 1977 and a law degree from its law school in 1981. From 1982 to 1989, Graham served on active duty in the Air Force as a judge advocate, working as a defense attorney and prosecutor. Graham represented South Carolina’s 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House from 1995 to 2003, then served in the U.S. Senate from 2003 to 2026. From 2019 through 2021, Graham led the Senate Judiciary Committee.Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
- In Senate
- 2003–2026
- In House
- 1995–2003
- Died
- Jul 11, 2026
- Age at death
- 71
- IN SENATE
- 2003–26
- IN HOUSE
- 1995–03
- AGE AT DEATH
- 71
DIED IN OFFICE · JUL 11, 2026Succeeded by Darline Graham (appointed July 14, 2026).Darline Graham →Source ↗
TAP A TAB FOR RECORD, VOTES, BILLS & MORE
Lindsey Graham at a glance
NET READER RATING
▲ 2 PTS IN 30 DAYS+12
▲ 3,180 GOOD LOOK5,703 VOTES2,523 BAD LOOK ▼
COVERAGE MIX · 264 STORIES
Click a row to open that column below.SENTIMENT BY TOPIC
NETLindsey Graham’s record in the 119th Congress
- Participation
- 93%
- Missed 57 of 851 roll calls this Congress.
- Party unity
- 99%
- Voted with most Republicans on 722 of 727 party-divided votes.
- Bipartisan bills
- 50%
- Share of sponsored bills with at least one Democratic cosponsor.
- Bill success
- 8%
- Out of committee or further: 2 of 24 sponsored bills.
BROKE WITH PARTY
JAN 30Amendment: To eliminate funding for the United States African Development FoundationYEA
JAN 30Amendment: To strike the earmark for the Community and Training Center by the New Immigra…YEA
JAN 30Amendment: To strike all earmarksYEA
SENATE · 119TH CONGRESS · UNTIL JUL 11, 2026Lindsey Graham’s voting record
| DATE | MEASURE | VOTE | REP MAJORITY | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JUN 24 | S.J.Res. 185Motion to proceed: A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces… | NAY | NAY 49–2 | Rejected 47–50 |
| JUN 24 | PN938-2Cloture: Matthew A. Schwartz nomination | YEA | YEA 52–0 | Agreed 52–45 |
| JUN 24 | PN930-3Cloture: Arthur Roberts Jones nomination | YEA | YEA 50–0 | Agreed 50–44 |
| JUN 24 | PN930-2Confirmation: Michael J. Hendershot | YEA | YEA 50–0 | Confirmed 50–44 |
| JUN 24 | PN930-2Cloture: Michael J. Hendershot nomination | YEA | YEA 52–0 | Agreed 52–45 |
| JUN 24 | PN930-7Confirmation: John George Edward Marck | YEA | YEA 52–0 | Confirmed 52–45 |
| JUN 24 | PN930-7Cloture: John George Edward Marck nomination | YEA | YEA 52–0 | Agreed 52–45 |
| JUN 23 | H.Con.Res. 86Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove… | NAY | NAY 47–4 | Agreed 50–48 |
| JUN 23 | PN859-3Confirmation: Darrell Owens | NOT VOTING | YEA 50–0 | Confirmed 67–30 |
| JUN 22 | H.R. 664421st Century ROAD to Housing Act | NOT VOTING | YEA 42–5 | Agreed 85–5 |
| JUN 18 | PN730-33Confirmation: George Holding | YEA | YEA 47–0 | Confirmed 48–39 |
| JUN 18 | H.R. 6644Cloture: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act | YEA | YEA 43–8 | Agreed 84–860 NEEDED |
| JUN 17 | S.Res. 616A resolution requesting information on Honduras's human rights practices pursuant to sect… | NAY | NAY 50–2 | Rejected 44–50 |
| JUN 17 | PN730-33Cloture: George Holding nomination | YEA | YEA 52–0 | Agreed 54–41 |
| JUN 17 | PN901-8Confirmation: Michelle Steel | YEA | YEA 52–0 | Confirmed 55–39 |
| JUN 17 | PN901-8Cloture: Michelle Steel nomination | YEA | YEA 51–0 | Agreed 54–41 |
| JUN 16 | S.J.Res. 172A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities w… | NAY | NAY 47–4 | Rejected 47–48 |
| JUN 16 | S.J.Res. 190Motion to proceed: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapt… | NAY | NAY 48–2 | Rejected 46–48 |
| JUN 15 | PN851-7Confirmation: Justin D. Smith | YEA | YEA 48–1 | Confirmed 48–43 |
| JUN 11 | PN851-7Cloture: Justin D. Smith nomination | NOT VOTING | YEA 47–0 | Agreed 47–43 |
| JUN 11 | PN901-4Confirmation: Brock Dahl | NOT VOTING | YEA 48–0 | Confirmed 49–44 |
| JUN 10 | PN901-4Cloture: Brock Dahl nomination | NOT VOTING | YEA 50–0 | Agreed 51–44 |
| JUN 10 | PN851-5Confirmation: Anthony J. Powell | NOT VOTING | YEA 50–0 | Confirmed 50–44 |
| JUN 10 | PN851-5Cloture: Anthony J. Powell nomination | NOT VOTING | YEA 48–0 | Agreed 48–45 |
| JUN 09 | PN851-4Confirmation: Anthony W. Mattivi | NOT VOTING | YEA 51–0 | Confirmed 51–46 |
Bills sponsored by Lindsey Graham in the 119th Congress
24Sponsored
2Out of cmte
1Passed Senate
1Became law
SPONSORED · 119TH CONGRESS
Sponsored24
Out of committee2
Passed Senate1
Became law1
| BILL | TITLE · POLICY AREA | STAGE | COSPON. |
|---|---|---|---|
| S. 2 | Secure America ActIMMIGRATION | Became law | 0 COSPON. |
| S. 2978 | Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism ActINTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS | Out of committee | 3 COSPON. |
| S. 3859 | A bill to amend the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993 with respect to future membership in the Catawba Indian Nation.NATIVE AMERICANS | Introduced | 2 COSPON. |
| S. 2644 | Camden National Battlefield Park Study ActPUBLIC LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES | Introduced | 1 COSPON. |
| S. 4671 | Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026CRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT | Introduced | 28 COSPON. |
| S. 4533 | Coast Guard Personnel Equipment ActARMED FORCES AND NATIONAL SECURITY | Introduced | 2 COSPON. |
| S. 4462 | Logan's LawCRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT | Introduced | 1 COSPON. |
| S. 4452 | Let Experienced Pilots Fly ActTRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS | Introduced | 3 COSPON. |
| S. 4430 | White House Safety and Security Act of 2026GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND POLITICS | Introduced | 2 COSPON. |
| S. 3805 | End Sanctuary Cities Act of 2026CRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT | Introduced | 3 COSPON. |
| S. 3781 | A bill to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr., for acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam WarARMED FORCES AND NATIONAL SECURITY | Introduced | 1 COSPON. |
| S. 3765 | Medal of Sacrifice ActCRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT | Introduced | 1 COSPON. |
Plus 166 bills cosponsored this Congress.
Lindsey Graham’s career and background
PUBLIC SERVICE · 1992 – 2026
OFFICE
South Carolina House of Representatives 1992–94U.S. House · SC-3 1995–03
ALSO: U.S. Senate · South Carolina 2003–26
- 2003 – 26U.S. Senate · South Carolina
- 1995 – 03U.S. House · SC-3
- 1992 – 94South Carolina House of Representatives
- BORN
- July 9, 1955 · Central, South Carolina
- DIED
- July 11, 2026
- EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts, University of South Carolina, 1977 · Juris Doctor, University of South Carolina School of Law, 1981
2026 election: South Carolina Senate
THE 2026 RACE
Darline GrahamREPIncumbent · $347K raised
Annie AndrewsDEM$11M raised
Catherine BruceIND$19K raised
Kasie WhitenerLIBERTARIAN$17K raised
Mark HackettCONSTITUTION
PAST RESULTS
2020U.S. Senate · South Carolina54.5%
RESULTS SINCE 20182026 SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE →Lindsey Graham’s campaign fundraising and spending
- RAISED · FULL ELECTION · 2021–26
- $22M
- CASH ON HAND
- $2.3M
- SPENT
- $20M
WHERE THE MONEY CAME FROM
- Individuals
- $1.3M · 62.7%
- PACs
- $724K · 34.3%
- Party
- $62K · 2.9%
AIPAC · 2025–26
AIPAC TRACKER →HOW WE COUNT →- THROUGH AIPAC PAC
- $544K
- Earmarked gifts · 224 donors
- $542K
- From the PAC itself
- $5K
AIPAC-BACKED SUPER PAC (UNITED DEMOCRACY PROJECT)
- SUPPORTING
- —
- OPPOSING
- —
SUPER PACS UDP FUNDED
- Palmetto Action21% of its money from UDP
- SUPPORTING $78K
SINCE DEC 2021 $550K through AIPAC PAC
Earmarked gifts are part of Individuals above. AIPAC PAC filings through Aug 31.TOP DONORS
Asness, CliffFinance/Aqr Capital · FINANCE$14K
Singer, PaulElliott Investment Management · CO-CEO CO-CIO PRESIDENT$14K
Sundquist, Larry Mr.Adamant Homes INC. · HOME BUILDER$8K
Kay, AlisonKids Capital · HEDGE FUND MANAGER$7K
Brownstein, NormanBrownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck · CHAIRMAN$7K
Duhamel, Katharine B.Candy Bomber Productions · FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR$7K
Smith, MichaelKaitar Resources · CONSULTANT$7K
Smith, IrisSelf-Employed · CREATIVE ARTS$7K
Gilliam, RichardCumberland Development · MANAGER$7K
Senor, DanielElliott Management · EXECUTIVE$7K
Totals by donor name from itemized FEC receipts: individuals and committees that gave over $200.OUTSIDE SPENDING
- SUPPORTING
- $1.4M
- OPPOSING
- $730K
Courageous Conservatives PAC$0 / $713K
Fellowship PAC$550K / $0
American Mission$374K / $0
Security Is Strength PAC$357K / $0
Palmetto Action$78K / $0
CAMPAIGN SPENDING
Advertising$14M
Other$2.1M
Fundraising$917K
Events$370K
Administrative$70K
Coverage
264 STORIES · CLICK A COLUMN TO FOCUS IT ·
MOST RATED
Winnipeg Free Press
Senators rally to Russia sanctions bill, one of Graham's top priorities
Graham championed the sanctions proposal and had recently traveled to Ukraine and discussed the measure with the president.
Defense80%
Newsnationnow
Lindsey Graham spoke at South Carolina Baptist church days before his death
Graham spoke about protecting liberty at a South Carolina church a week before his death.
Congress82%
Raw Story
Mike Johnson and John Thune offer conflicting accounts of DHS shutdown plan on same day
Senator Lindsey Graham wrote that the budget resolution is designed to fully fund border agencies through the Trump presidency.
Budget67%
aaronparnas.substack.com
Major Update: Trump Attacks Epstein Survivors, Minnesota Arrests ICE Agent for Assault, Trump Investigates Missing Nuclear Scientists, and More
Senator Lindsey Graham praised Donald Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion military budget as the best funding plan he has seen in Congress.
Budget80%
MOST RATEDAbcnews4
'It took him from us': Darline Graham says brother's intense work schedule led to death
Colleagues recalled Lindsey Graham’s dedication to public service and demanding travel schedule before his death.
Congress50%
Crooks and Liars
Jack Smith Gives Lindsey Graham Proper Tribute
Smith said Lindsey Graham was not a target and likely would have been a witness in the investigation.
Criminal justiceINFORMATIONAL
LGBTQ Nation
Lindsey Graham's sister snaps at journalist who brings up gay rumors about her brother
The article recounts longstanding rumors about Graham, his past denials and allegations made after his death.
EthicsINFORMATIONAL
Politico
Darline Graham rips Jack Smith for obtaining her late brother’s phone records
The dispute concerns Smith’s collection of Lindsey Graham’s phone data and Graham’s earlier response to the investigation.
Criminal justiceINFORMATIONAL
WJXT
Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions bill, aiming to choke off funds for Moscow in Ukraine war
The article presents the bill as a legacy of Graham, who worked on it for more than a year before his death.
Foreign policyINFORMATIONAL
MOST RATEDFITSNews
Lindsey Graham’s U.S. Senate Opponent Addresses 1984 Cocaine Bust
Senator Lindsey Graham was characterized as a 'warmonger' and 'clear and present danger' in an article discussing his primary opponent.
Budget88%
Mediaite
Ashley Parker Raises Eyebrows With Lindsey Graham Story On X
Ashley Parker recalled that Graham told her to buy a dress and shower before shadowing him after the Charleston shooting.
Ethics▲ 0 · ▼ 2
Raw Story
'Uh, what?' Lindsey Graham tribute inadvertently reveals 'bizarre' fetish
Parker recalled that Graham asked her to buy new clothes, perhaps a dress, and shower before shadowing him.
Ethics▲ 0 · ▼ 2
Catholicism.org
Lindsey Graham Takes Cheap Shot at Catholic Church
Senator Lindsey Graham was condemned by the Catholic Action League for comparing the Church's response to Iran with its 1930s Nazi policy.
Defense86%
Breitbart
Lindsey Graham's Confirmation Votes for Leftwing Heroes Boasberg, Garland, and Monaco Haunt Reelection Campaign
Senator Lindsey Graham's past votes to confirm Democratic judicial and executive nominees are being used against him in his reelection campaign.
Criminal justice86%
MOST RATEDWESH · 5 MIN READ
Trump says South Carolina governor should appoint Lindsey Graham's sister to finish his term
Graham’s death leaves Senate Republicans facing a vacancy and the loss of a prominent ally and negotiator.
Record updated . ChamberLight is not an official government source. Reader ratings reflect public reception, not editorial judgment.