Lindsey Graham's sudden passing has left Washington in shock. The stalwart Republican Senator for South Carolina and self-styled 'Congressman from 9/11' – a reference to his involvement in the post-attack legislation as a young House Representative – leaves behind a legacy marked by both unyielding partisanship and an ability to navigate treacherous legislative waters. With a career spanning over two decades in the US Senate, preceded by four terms in the House of Representatives, Graham's impact on American politics is undeniable.
His remarkable record as a dealmaker was a recurring theme throughout his tenure. Senator Dick Durbin, the second-highest-ranking Senate Democrat, has praised Graham for being "part of every important policy issue and an indispensable player in every Senate 'gang'". This ability to transcend partisan divides saw him participate in various efforts, including unsuccessful attempts at immigration reform alongside liberal figures like Senator Ted Kennedy, as well as his involvement in the "gang of 14" that brokered a compromise on judicial nominees during the George W. Bush administration.
However, Graham's image was often polarised by his strong support for Donald Trump, which contrasted with his initial criticism of the then-presidential candidate. His later advocacy for Trump's domestic priorities – including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which funded many of the president's domestic initiatives as part of a broader legislative package – underscored this shift in allegiances. Furthermore, Graham's unwavering stance on foreign policy has also been subject to scrutiny, with his vocal backing for the 2003 Iraq invasion and ongoing detention centre at Guantánamo Bay sparking controversy.
Despite these controversies, Graham demonstrated a willingness to compromise on several high-profile issues, including the Supreme Court justices nominated by both Republican and Democratic presidents. He was also among 15 Republicans who supported a package of modest policy changes aimed at addressing gun violence in 2022, following the Uvalde, Texas, elementary school massacre.