Former Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) will be honored with a series of memorial services starting July 28, his office confirmed Friday. The late senator's communications director, Taylor Reidy, announced that the first service will take place in Washington, D.C., followed by additional ceremonies in Columbia and Pickens County, South Carolina. Reidy indicated that more details would be released soon.
Graham died at age 71 after a brief illness. The preliminary medical examiner's report attributed his death to an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and world leaders alike.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) revealed earlier this week that the Washington service is expected to be held at the Washington National Cathedral. Scott noted that coordinating the funeral has been challenging due to the high number of global leaders wishing to attend. “The funeral arrangements have been complicated by the fact that so many global leaders would like to attend,” Scott said. “And so the process of figuring out when the National Cathedral would be made available at the exact same time that the global leadership would want to come, and all the other national leaders who will be there, that has made it a little more difficult to get it done this week.” The National Cathedral has hosted services for many prominent figures, including former President Jimmy Carter and former Vice President Dick Cheney. The Hill has sought confirmation from the cathedral regarding its role.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) quickly appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill the remainder of his term. She was sworn in on Tuesday. A special election in August will determine the Republican nominee for the full term starting in January, with several candidates already in the race. The eventual GOP nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the general election in November.
Scott reflected on Graham's legacy during a press conference, calling him “irreplaceable.” “I’m going to miss Lindsey a lot,” Scott said. “Our country is going to miss his leadership and the world is going to look for someone to fill shoes that are unfillable. Lindsey Graham, irreplaceable.”
Graham's death has immediate political repercussions, particularly in foreign policy. As a key voice on Ukraine, his absence could shift the debate. For more on how his death is reshaping policy, see our analysis: Graham's Death Reshapes Ukraine Policy; Trump Urged to Act on Iran, Taiwan. Additionally, the race to succeed him is wide open—check out South Carolina GOP Senate Primary Wide Open as Poll Shows No Front-Runner.
The memorial services will give friends, colleagues, and constituents a chance to pay their respects to a senator who served for over two decades. Graham was known for his independent streak and his hawkish stance on national security. His legacy will be remembered in both Washington and his home state.
