Dear Friends,
Senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden death is a sad, shocking loss. He was a unique leader I was fortunate to work with over the last two decades, sharing a commitment to defending the rights of Ukrainians, Iranians, Syrians and many others to freedom and a sovereign government. Please find below a moving memorial message from Amb. Cindy McCain, the Institute’s Board Chair Emeritus.
Lindsey Graham will forever be joined with John McCain in their shared passion for global democracy, transatlantic relations and stalwart support for Ukraine, in particular. They traveled every year to the Munich Security Conference and their presence signaled a deep U.S. commitment to our European allies and partners. They also fought hard against torture and I was honored to travel with them to Guantanamo during the critical time when their leadership was courageous and invaluable.
Senator Graham also worked hard for his state, delivering federal funds for cutting edge tech research at South Carolina’s universities, and he advocated earlier in his career for foreign assistance to suffering communities in Africa and elsewhere. Finally, he had an unfailing sense of humor that made him fun to be around.
At the Institute, we send condolences to his family and friends and ask his mourning Senate colleagues to honor his memory by standing with Ukraine.
May he rest in peace,
Evelyn
Amb. Cindy McCain Statement on Senator Lindsey Graham
U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham, John McCain, and Joe Lieberman, known as the “Three Amigos”
“My heart is broken. Lindsey was one of my dearest friends, a brother in service, and a cherished member of our ‘Three Amigos.’ Through the years, we shared countless conversations, challenges, laughs, and memories that I will carry with me forever. I am grateful beyond words for his friendship and for the privilege of serving alongside him. Lindsey loved this country deeply and devoted his life to it. He faced every challenge with courage, conviction, and an unwavering belief in America. But beyond his public service, I will miss the man himself—his loyalty, his humor, and the bond we shared. The world feels a little smaller without him. He will be missed more than words can express.”
For more than two decades, Senator Graham and Senator McCain worked together to promote their shared belief in American global leadership, a strong national defense, and freedom and democracy around the world – especially in Ukraine. Along with Senator Joe Lieberman, they became known as the “Three Amigos,” a bipartisan group who traveled to conflict zones around the world and were among the most influential voices on national security and foreign policy. Senator Graham remained a long-time friend of the McCain Institute, supporting its mission to advance character-driven leadership, strengthen democracy, and promote a world that is free, safe, and just.