By: Jason Tran
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina announced that he is running for president on Monday, June 1.
Senator Graham served in the United States Air Force as a lawyer, before beginning his political career. He was elected as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 2nd district for one term, then as U.S. House Representative from South Carolina’s 3rd district for four terms. Senator Graham has been the Senator representing South Carolina since 2003.
Being the 9th Republican Presidential candidate, Senator Graham delivered his announcement in his hometown of Central, South Carolina. In his public announcement, Senator Graham stated, “I want to be President to defeat the enemies trying to kill us, not just penalize them or criticize them or contain them, but defeat them.”
Senator Graham runs his campaign with foreign policy front and center in order to, in his perception, protect the nation from all foreign and domestic threats. In the past, Senator Graham urged Congress to reject any agreement with Iran, unless inspections of Iran’s military facilities are allowed, in addition to which he has defended government surveillance programs and suggested sending more forces to the Middle East to combat Islamic State militants. Senator Graham chairs three subcommittees related to terrorism, military, and foreign policy.
Within the Republican Party, Senator Graham is criticized for standing in the middle of the spectrum between Democrats and Republicans on certain issues, including the fact that he believes climate change is a challenge that needs to be addressed and supports a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Senator Graham has a long road ahead of him, but adds to the pool of Republican Presidential Candidates his long legislative record and foreign policy experience.