Sen.Lindsey Graham, who died Saturday at 71 following what his office described as a "brief and sudden illness," spent more than three decades as one of the Republican Party's most influential voices.The South Carolina Republican forged a congressional career spanning more than 30 years, emerging as one of Capitol Hill's most recognizable Republicans and a trusted adviser to President Donald Trump on national security, judicial nominations and foreign policy.Born on July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina, Graham grew up helping his parents run the family business before becoming the first in his household to attend college.His life changed dramatically while he was a student at the University of South Carolina, when both of his parents died within 15 months of each other, leaving him to raise his younger sister.SEN.
LINDSEY GRAHAM DEAD AT 71 AFTER 'BRIEF AND SUDDEN' ILLNESS, OFFICE SAYSGraham launched his congressional career in the U.S.House in 1995, laying the foundation for more than 30 years on Capitol Hill.
(Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images)After earning a law degree, Graham joined the U.S.Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps, serving as a military lawyer before entering politics.
He remained in the Air Force Reserve throughout much of his congressional career, retiring as a colonel after more than three decades of service.His political career began in 1992, when he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives.Two years later, he won a seat in the U.S.
House as part of the Republican wave that gave the GOP control of Congress.He emerged as a national figure during President Bill Clinton's impeachment, serving as one of the House managers who presented the case against Clinton during the 1999 Senate trial.The high-profile role elevated his standing within the Republican Party and helped establish him as a rising conservative voice on Capitol Hill.'AMERICA AND THE WORLD HAVE LOST A DETERMINED LEADER': TRIBUTES POUR IN AFTER SEN.LINDSEY GRAHAM'S...