Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Graham has served as a Republican Senator from South Carolina since 2003. His many years in public office, combined with a successful legal career, have allowed Graham to accumulate an estimated net worth in the millions.
Early Life and Education
Lindsey Olin Graham was born on July 9, 1955 in Seneca, South Carolina. He grew up in a working class family, eventually graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in 1977. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1981.
Early Legal and Political Career
After law school, Graham worked in private practice as a lawyer before being elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1992. From 1993-1995, he served as an assistant county attorney as well as a city attorney. Graham joined the U.S. Air Force in 1982, serving until 1988, followed by service in the South Carolina Air National Guard from 1989-1995.
Election to the House of Representatives
In 1994, Graham successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, representing South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District. He served three terms in the House from 1995-2003.
Election to the Senate
When Senator Strom Thurmond announced his retirement, Graham successfully ran for the open Senate seat in 2002. He won the election and assumed office in January 2003. Graham continues to serve as a Senator today.
Positions and Legislation
Known as a conservative Republican, Graham has supported legislation like the Graham-Cassidy bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. He has broken from the GOP on issues like immigration reform. Graham has shifted rightward in recent years to align more closely with President Trump.
Committee Assignments
Graham has served in influential roles on Senate committees including the Appropriations Committee, Judiciary Committee, Armed Services Committee, and Budget Committee. He often advocates for national defense funding.
2020 Reelection Campaign
In 2020, Graham won reelection to his 4th term in the Senate, defeating Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison in the most competitive race of Graham’s Senate career. He raised and spent record amounts on his 2020 campaign.
Personal Life and Interests
Though single, Graham maintains close friendships with fellow Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman. He lives in Seneca, South Carolina near where he grew up. He is an avid golfer and Dallas Cowboys fan.
Lindsey Graham Net Worth
Graham’s net worth is estimated between $1.5 – $3.6 million. His exact net worth is hard to pin down due to congressional personal finance disclosure rules.
Assets Contributing to Net Worth
Graham has earned income from his Senate salary, military pension, and legal career. He owns real estate in South Carolina. Graham has investment accounts through Vanguard and MetLife.
Income Sources
In addition to his $174,000 annual Senate salary, Graham has earned money giving paid speeches. He receives royalties from his book My Story. He previously earned legal fees through his private law firm practice.
Philanthropy and Charitable Causes
Graham contributes to local causes like the Boys and Girls Club as well as global initiatives like HIV/AIDS relief programs. He established the Lindsey Graham Foundation to provide college scholarships.
Financial Disclosures and Transparency
As a Senator, Graham files annual personal finance reports but only provides values of assets in broad ranges, making his precise net worth unclear. He has faced criticism for not being more financially transparent.
Comparisons to Senate Peers
Graham has a lower estimated net worth than longer-serving, wealthier senators like Mitch McConnell and Dianne Feinstein, who are millionaires several times over. But his estimated net worth exceeds several of his fellow junior Republican senators.
Conclusion
After nearly two decades in the Senate and previous legal and political experience, Lindsey Graham has accumulated sufficient assets and income sources to achieve an estimated net worth between $1.5-$3.6 million. While not the wealthiest member of Congress, he enjoys financial security from his long tenure as an elected official.
FAQs
What is Lindsey Graham’s net worth?
Estimates of Lindsey Graham’s net worth range from $1.5 million to $3.6 million. His exact net worth is not known due to congressional personal finance disclosure rules.
How did Lindsey Graham make his money?
Graham’s wealth comes mostly from his over two decades of earning a Senate salary. He also previously earned income as a lawyer and Air Force officer. Other income sources include paid speeches, book royalties, and investments.
What assets does Lindsey Graham own?
Graham owns real estate assets in South Carolina. He also has investment accounts through firms like Vanguard and MetLife. The values of his real estate and investments are not fully disclosed.
Does Lindsey Graham inherit any wealth?
No, Graham does not appear to have inherited any significant wealth. He grew up in a working class family before becoming a lawyer and entering politics. His wealth accrued over his own career.
How does Lindsey Graham’s net worth compare to other Senators?
Graham has a lower estimated net worth than longer-serving wealthy Senators like McConnell and Feinstein. But he has a higher net worth than some junior Republican colleagues like Mike Braun and Rick Scott.
