Lindsey Graham (Shattered)

Lindsey Olin Graham (born July 9, 1955) is an American politician and member of the Republican Party who is currently serving as the. He previously served as the from  from 2003 to 2017.

A native of, Graham graduated from the in 1977. He received his Juris Doctor from the in 1981. He served in the from 1982 to 1988 and served as a Guardsman first in the  then in the, attaining the rank of colonel. He worked as a lawyer in private practice before he was elected to the in 1992, serving one term from 1993 to 1995. He then served in the, representing from 1995 to 2003. He was elected to four terms, receiving at least 60% of the vote each time.

In 2002, Graham ran for the U.S. Senate after eight-term Republican incumbent announced his retirement. Graham won the primary unopposed and defeated Democratic opponent in the general election. Graham was re-elected to a second term in, defeating. He won a third term in 2014, defeating Democrat Brad Hutto and Independent Thomas Ravenel.

Graham was known in the Senate for his advocacy of a strong national defense, his support of the military, and as an advocate of strong United States leadership in world affairs. He is also known for his willingness to be bipartisan and work with Democrats on issues like, , , tax reform, and  and his belief that judicial nominees should not be opposed solely on their philosophical positions. He is also a critic of the Tea Party movement, arguing for a more inclusive Republican Party.

On May 18, 2015, Graham informally announced his candidacy for, followed by a formal announcement on June 21, 2015, in his hometown of Central, South Carolina. On December 21, 2015, he ended his campaign for the presidency. He later endorsed for President. After Bush suspended his campaign on February 20, Graham subsequently endorsed. When it seemed certain that would become the Republican Presidential candidate in early May 2016, Graham announced he would not vote for Trump.

On December 1, 2016, in an act of bipartisanship, President-elect announced that Graham would become the next Secretary of Defense. He was confirmed by the Senate 90–8 on January 22, 2017.