South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is mourning the loss of his longtime friend and colleague, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.
In a statement released Sunday, July 12, 2026, the governor said he and First Lady Peggy McMaster, along with their children, are devastated by Graham's death. McMaster called the senator "irreplaceable" and praised him as one of South Carolina's fiercest advocates and a loyal friend. He also extended condolences to Graham's family, including Darline, and to the senator's staff.
Governor McMaster has ordered the flags at the South Carolina State Capitol to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Senator Graham's lifetime of public service and what he described as his extraordinary legacy.
In a post on social media, the governor said flags at the Capitol will remain at half-staff until further notice. He is also requesting that flags at state buildings and local government facilities across South Carolina be flown at half-staff in tribute to the late senator.
