Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Sunday issued a statement mourning the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, remembering his longtime colleague as a dedicated public servant, effective legislator, and trusted friend.
DeWine, who served alongside Graham in the U.S. Senate, reflected on their years working together, particularly on the Senate Judiciary Committee and their shared efforts to advance the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.
“Fran and I are so saddened by the death of our friend Lindsey Graham,” DeWine said. “Lindsey and I served together in the U.S. Senate. He was an effective and dedicated U.S. Senator.”
The governor noted that Graham first championed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives before the two continued working on the legislation in the Senate.
DeWine also praised Graham’s personality and communication skills, saying he possessed “a great sense of humor” and an ability to explain complex political issues in a way that people could easily understand.
“He had a great sense of humor and the ability to cut through political rhetoric and explain in understandable terms what an issue was really about,” DeWine said.
Concluding his tribute, DeWine said Graham devoted his career to serving both his home state and the nation.
“Lindsey worked hard each day to protect the people of South Carolina and our country,” he said.
Graham, a Republican who represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate for more than two decades, died Saturday following what his office described as a brief and sudden illness.
He was 71.
Tributes from political leaders across the country have recognized his decades of public service and influence on national policy.
