Lindsey Graham, a prominent American lawyer and politician, has served as the senior United States Senator from South Carolina since 2003. Born in Central, South Carolina, Graham pursued higher education at the University of South Carolina, earning a B.A. in psychology in 1977 and a J.D. in 1981. His early career was distinguished by military service in the U.S. Air Force, where he served from 1982 to 1988 with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He earned a Bronze Star Medal for his exemplary service, reflecting his commitment and leadership in legal and military roles.

Graham’s transition to politics began with a term in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1993 to 1995. He then represented South Carolina’s 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives for four terms. His political career advanced further when he won the U.S. Senate seat in 2002, succeeding Strom Thurmond. Graham has been a significant figure in the Senate, known for his strong advocacy of national defense and interventionist foreign policy.

Initially, Graham was noted for his bipartisan approach, collaborating with Democrats on issues like campaign finance reform, immigration, and judicial nominations. However, his political stance evolved notably during the 2016 presidential election. Despite being a vocal critic of Donald Trump, Graham became one of Trump’s staunch allies after a pivotal meeting in 2017, a shift that surprised many observers and sparked media speculation.

As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2021, Graham played a key role in the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Despite his influential role, Graham maintains a private life in Seneca, South Carolina, where he has remained single. His recent vote against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 underscores his ongoing commitment to conservative principles and his significant role in shaping Republican policy.