In the days since Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) died unexpectedly late Saturday, tributes have poured in from across the political world for the longtime South Carolina lawmaker. From the White House to the South Carolina State House, Graham’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and reflection, underscoring the sizable mark he left on Washington and his home state.
Speaking with CNN’s Dana Bash on “Inside Politics,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) remembered Graham as a singular presence in the chamber:
“There wasn’t anybody who was a more colorful character, more passionate about the work he was involved with, but always brought an energy and a sense of enthusiasm that was contagious to anybody who was around him.”
“It’s a huge loss institutionally for the Senate, but it’s a huge loss for those who knew him well.”
When the Senate returned from its July 4 recess, lawmakers observed the chamber’s tradition of draping Graham’s desk in black, with white flowers placed atop it in his memory.
Desk of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in the U.S. Senate. pic.twitter.com/8mcumDh5Eg
— CSPAN (@cspan) July 13, 2026
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced a resolution honoring Graham’s life and decades in public service. Several of Graham’s Senate colleagues then rose to share personal memories, each taking time to reflect on his career, his character and the loss felt across the chamber.
The Senate united to pay tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham’s life and legacy, remembering him not only as a colleague but as a friend to many. His long record of service, devotion to South Carolina and commitment to the country leave behind an example of courage, conviction and patriotism.…
— Senator Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) July 13, 2026
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) said, “It’s a sad day for all of us in the Senate, and particularly those of us who are very, very close to Lindsey Graham, and that would be most senators and his staff. Senator Graham was a forceful and quick-witted presence in every room he was in.”
Grassley also brought up Graham’s famous humor and how he was often the butt of his jokes.
I was no stranger to being the butt of his jokes. Senator Graham loved to tell people how frugal I was, and if I was ever to open my billfold, dust and moss would come out of it. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard that.
Senator Graham always brought a smile to your face and levity to the halls of Congress.
WATCH:
Sen. @ChuckGrassley tribute to Sen. Lindsey Graham: “It’s a sad day for all of us in the Senate…Senator Graham always brought a smile to your face and levity to the halls of Congress.” pic.twitter.com/rMJqnrPjpB
— CSPAN (@cspan) July 13, 2026
Sen Rick Scott (R-FL) posted his remarks to X.
Lindsey Graham was a true public servant. He was a dear friend who loved his country, the people of South Carolina, and led through his faith.
He was passionate and fought hard for everything he believed in. He truly made things happen in DC. We will miss him. pic.twitter.com/hs9fl5zMb5
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) July 13, 2026
Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) also pointed out Graham’s humor, but was deeply somber in his remarks, and felt the void left by Graham’s passing. “We miss our colleague. We miss his humor, we miss his ideas, we miss his insight on a lot of things,” he said.
Lankford used much of his time to pray a beautiful prayer for the Graham family and the people of South Carolina.
WATCH:
Senator Lankford Delivers Remarks on the Death of Senator Lindsey Graham
Senator James Lankford (R-OK) delivers remarks on the Senate floor regarding the death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). July 13, 2026. pic.twitter.com/yNwT9YgB6N
— The Union Herald (@TheUnionHerald) July 13, 2026
White House Cabinet members also detailed their special relationship with Graham. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, a longtime friend of Graham, wrote these heartfelt words.
Like so many, I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my friend of 25 years, Lindsey Graham.
Lindsey devoted his life to serving our country with conviction, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty. But, importantly, the man behind the public figure was deeply devoted to his… pic.twitter.com/0iC06ffNzb
— Susie Wiles (@SusieWiles47) July 12, 2026
Like so many, I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my friend of 25 years, Lindsey Graham.
Lindsey devoted his life to serving our country with conviction, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty. But, importantly, the man behind the public figure was deeply devoted to his family, a kind and generous friend and blessed with a great sense of humor, punctuated by a sharp wit.
While his time on earth has been cut short, he will be remembered by history as a consequential and impactful leader with an enormous heart for America.
Rest in peace, my friend. Thank you for a lifetime of service. May God comfort those who love you and may He grant you eternal peace.
Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor, appeared on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show,” and illustrated how, in the midst of this anti-incumbency fervor and pushback against long-serving members of Congress, for some, like Graham, he was fulfilling his calling and doing it well. Graham metaphorically died with his boots on, as he had just returned from a trip involving international relations.
Miller told Cain:
Too often, we get so cynical, when we talk about long serving politicians. We forget that it is the noblest tradition of this country to be a faithful, dedicated selfless public servant. Lindsey didn’t want to do anything else with his life but be the senator for the good people of South Carolina.
WATCH:
Stephen Miller on Lindsey Graham:
Too often, we get so cynical, when we talk about long serving politicians. We forget that it is the noblest tradition of this country to be a faithful, dedicated selfless public servant. Lindsey didn’t want to do anything else with his life but… pic.twitter.com/tkN4U96jfU
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 13, 2026
Lindsey Graham’s Senate Replacement to Be Named Within Hours – and Trump Has a Surprise Pick
In an X post, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. spoke of Graham’s “Southern gentility” and bipartisan reach.
In November 2019, I ran into Senator Lindsey Graham in the Capitol Rotunda while I was giving a speech during a demonstration for clean water. Although we stood on opposite sides of the political spectrum at the time, he invited me into his office and made me a cup of coffee.
He… pic.twitter.com/4pRylBG323
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 13, 2026
In November 2019, I ran into Senator Lindsey Graham in the Capitol Rotunda while I was giving a speech during a demonstration for clean water. Although we stood on opposite sides of the political spectrum at the time, he invited me into his office and made me a cup of coffee.
He was a fierce advocate for conservative values, but he never lost his Southern gentility.
His passing is a significant loss for the American people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, staff, and the people of South Carolina.
Majority Leader John Thune concluded his remarks about Sen. Graham by using some of the words of the Rev. Billy Graham.
Whereas another Graham once put it, and I quote: “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now, I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”
I will miss Lindsey’s friendship, Mr. President, more than I can say. We pray for his staff and for his family whom he loved dearly, and who loved him dearly in return. But I am comforted by the knowledge, that in the end, he has just changed his address. And that one day, Mr. President…. We will laugh together again.
Thune was barely able to get the words out, as he tried to choke back tears.
WATCH:
An emotional end to Thune’s eulogy for Lindsey Graham on the Senate floor:
“I am comforted by the knowledge that, in the end, he has just changed his address, and that one day, Mr. President, we will laugh together again.” pic.twitter.com/AqPR0DglMG
— Matt Rice (@matt____rice) July 13, 2026
Thune’s office announced that Darline Graham Nordone would be sworn in on Tuesday to complete her brother’s term in the Senate.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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