Lindsey Graham

Who is Lindsey Graham?

Lindsey Olin Graham is an American politician who serves as the senior United States Senator from South Carolina, serving in office since 2003. Graham, a member of the Republican Party, was first elected to the 108th Congress.

Born in Central, South Carolina, Graham graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1977. He later received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1981. He served in the United States Air Force from 1982 to 1988, and served as a reservist in the South Carolina Air National Guard, with the rank of a Colonel. He worked as a lawyer in private practice before he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1992; serving one term from 1993 to 1995. Graham served in the United States House of Representatives, representing South Carolina's 3rd congressional district from 1995 to 2003. He was elected to four terms, receiving at least 60% of the vote each time.

Graham ran in South Carolina's 2002 Senate election, after eight-term incumbent Strom Thurmond announced he would not run for reelection. He won in an uncontested primary, and defeated Democratic opponent Alex Sanders in the general election.