Lindsey Olin Graham (born July 9, 1955) is an American politician who has represented South Carolina in the United States Senate since 2003. He serves as the chamber's senior United States Senator from that state and is a member of the Republican Party.
Background and education
Graham grew up in South Carolina and completed his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of South Carolina. Before entering federal office he worked as an attorney and held elected positions at the state level. He has also served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in the Judge Advocate General's Corps.
Early political career
He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in the mid-1990s and served multiple terms there before winning election to the Senate in 2002. Since taking his Senate seat in January 2003 he has been reelected several times.
Senate work
In the Senate Graham has been active on issues related to national security, the military, and the courts. He has served on committees that oversee armed forces and judicial matters, and he is known for combining interest in foreign policy with a focus on legal and legislative detail. Over the years he has sometimes voted in line with party leadership and at other times taken positions at odds with his party colleagues.
2016 presidential campaign
Graham briefly ran for President in 2016. He entered the Republican field during the 2015–2016 cycle but ended his bid before the primary voting concluded.
Political profile and elections
Graham is often described as a conservative on fiscal and defense matters while occasionally signaling willingness to work across the aisle on select issues. He has won statewide elections in South Carolina multiple times and remains a prominent figure in national debates on security and the judiciary.
Personal life
Outside the Senate he has practiced law and continued his military service in the reserves. He lives in South Carolina and is active in both state and national political affairs.