Sen. Lindsey Graham remembered by Michigan lawmakers, colleagues

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, was remembered by two Michigan Republican House colleagues as a patriot after he died Saturday from a "brief and sudden illness," according to a statement from his office early Sunday morning.

Graham, 71, had just returned from Ukraine and was scheduled to appear on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday morning. His sudden passing prompted fond remembrances from across the political aisle in Michigan.

"Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," the statement said early Sunday morning.

Several political officials said they were saddened to hear about Graham's passing over social media.

"Senator Graham was a patriot and stalwart defender of American values. His leadership will be missed," said U.S. Rep. John Moonlear, R-Caledonia, in a post Sunday morning.

Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland, added: "Senator Graham was a patriot who fought passionately for what he believed would make America a stronger and safer place. May the Lord be with the people of South Carolina, his staff, and his colleagues during this time of loss."

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, called the senator a kind friend in a statement.

"After John passed away, Lindsey checked on me to make sure I was OK. And when the president insulted my family during one of the hardest periods of my life, Lindsey publicly demanded an apology. Those acts of decency and compassion meant more than he ever knew," Dingell said.

"We didn't always agree, but we never stopped talking through the toughest issues facing our country or searching for common ground where we could find it. I am grateful for his friendship and the respect we shared despite our differences," Dingell said. "May he rest in peace."

Graham and President Donald Trump maintained a close political and personal relationship in recent years, despite Graham's early criticism of Trump during the 2016 presidential race.

Trump endorsed Graham's reelection bid in March 2025, backing him ahead of the 2026 Senate race, and the senator later called the endorsement humbling on social media, citing their friendship and shared golf outings.

"Lindsey has been a wonderful friend to me and has always been there when I needed him," the president's post said.

Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of White Lake, the Republican nominee in Michigan's U.S. Senate race, wrote that Graham "was a true man of service who fiercely protected faith and freedom" who "navigated it all with a witty sense of humor."

U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Detroit, sent condolences in a post Sunday morning

"He dedicated many years of his life to public service and to representing the people of South Carolina in Congress. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, staff, and all those mourning his loss. May he rest in peace," Thanedar said.

Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and won reelection in 2008, 2014 and 2020, becoming the first South Carolinian to top one million votes in a general election, according to his official site. He chaired the Senate Budget Committee and also served on the Appropriations, Judiciary and Environment and Public Works committees.

Before the Senate, Graham was elected to the U.S. House in 1994, the first Republican to represent South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District since 1877.

He spent 33 years in the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, retiring as a colonel in 2015. He served six and a half years on active duty as an Air Force lawyer, including an overseas posting in Germany from 1984 to 1988, then joined the South Carolina Air National Guard and was called to state-side duty during the first Gulf War. He later served short-term Reserve duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Graham grew up in Central, South Carolina, where his parents ran a restaurant and pool hall. He was the first in his family to attend college, earning his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina. He lived in Seneca and belonged to Corinth Baptist Church.

Ronna McDaniel, a Michigan resident and former chair of the Republican National Committee, described Graham as "kind, funny and brilliant" in a post Sunday morning.

"I will always appreciate how welcoming he was to me and his willingness to give advice and support. He was truly one of a kind. He loved this country and worked tirelessly in service of the people of South Carolina. I miss you already," she said.

Franklin Graham, president of Christian charity Samaritan's Purse, said he was surprised to learn of the senator's death in a Facebook post Sunday.

"Only God knows the number of our days on this earth," Franklin Graham wrote. He asked for prayers for the senator's family, particularly his sister, Darline, whom he helped raise after their parents died.

"He was known as a strong fighter for his state of S.C. and his country, and he will be greatly missed," said Franklin Graham.

_____

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.