Lindsey Graham — Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, 2026

Senator Lindsey Graham advocates for ending sanctuary city policies, introducing the End Sanctuary Cities Act of 2026. This legislation would criminalize state and local officials who impede federal immigration laws, specifically by failing to detain or releasing undocumented individuals from custody when requested by DHS. Graham argues these policies are a root cause of problems, creating lawlessness and hindering federal authority. He plans to seek a Senate vote on his bill to restore order and eliminate obstacles for law enforcement.

“In my view, sanctuary city policies are the root cause of the problems we face.”

Senator Lindsey Graham voted for the Crapo-Cassidy plan, known as the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, which aims to make healthcare more affordable by redirecting taxpayer dollars from insurance companies to patients via health savings accounts. He opposed extending Covid-era Obamacare subsidies, citing concerns that they are costly, benefit insurance companies, lack income caps, and are "riddled with fraud." Graham advocates for reforms that lower costs and improve quality of care, and also sponsored the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (S. 339).

“Extending Covid-era Obamacare subsidies without reform was an easy ‘no’ vote. These subsidies have exploded in cost over the past few years, padding the pockets of large health insurance companies instead of helping patients. I would like to help deliver better health care to Americans. It doesn’t help anyone by continuing to send taxpayer dollars to insurance companies instead of patients or to have a program that’s riddled with fraud and lacks income caps. To that end, I proudly voted for Senators Crapo and Cassidy’s proposal that made needed reforms and allows for the reinstatement of income caps. People making $300,000 a year should not be getting subsidies from the government. The Crapo-Cassidy plan will take taxpayer dollars away from insurance companies to give to patients via health savings accounts. This proposal would lower costs and improve quality of care.” — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Press Release, December 11, 2025, via lgraham.senate.gov”

Senator Lindsey Graham supports a "price on carbon" to address climate change, advocating for private-sector solutions and government collaboration. He believes the greenhouse effect and human-caused CO2 emissions contribute to global warming, and that clean air initiatives should be business-friendly. Graham emphasizes that environmental solutions should not harm the economy, stating he would "never, ever destroy the economy in the name of helping the environment." He has been endorsed by the American Conservation Coalition.

“I do believe in private-sector solutions. I believe in the government working with the private sector. We’ve lowered our carbon emissions. I believe more electric cars are coming. But my solution to the environment is not to destroy the economy," Graham said at the debate over the weekend. "I will never, ever destroy the economy in the name of helping the environment.”

Lindsey Graham supports a national minimum standard limiting abortion at 15 weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. He introduced the Protecting Pain-Capable Unborn Children from Late-Term Abortions Act and plans legislation requiring anesthesia for unborn children at 15 weeks, citing their capacity to feel pain. He believes the pro-life movement prioritizes the wellbeing of the unborn child and that a national limit aligns with other developed nations. He voted against motions to proceed to the Right to IVF Act and the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act.

“I will continue to advocate that there should be a national minimum standard limiting abortion at fifteen weeks because the child is capable of feeling pain, with exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother." - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, lgraham.senate.gov, April 8, 2024.”

Lindsey Graham advocates for strong U.S. leadership and a robust U.S.-Israel defense partnership, including joint weapons development, which he considers vital for security. He has supported military action against Iran's regime, viewing it as a significant threat, but opposes U.S. nation-building efforts there. He also voted to require Senate consent for withdrawing from NATO.

“I have been as clear as I know how to be for a very long time that the ayatollah’s regime in Iran is second to none in terms of threats to the United States, Israel, the region, and the world. If Iran had a nuclear weapon, I know they would use it. They are religious Nazis. We've been working with Israel for years to contain this threat and to cripple the ayatollah’s desire to enact his religious Nazi regime." - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Statement, Jan 18 2026.”

Senator Lindsey Graham co-sponsored and voted to advance the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, which would require federally funded colleges and universities to inform pregnant students of their accommodations and rights. He advocates for this legislation to ensure pregnant students can continue their education without having to choose between their studies and their unborn child. Graham has also expressed support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, noting their role in providing quality education.

“Lindsey Graham, in a press release on January 27, 2026: “As a firm defender of the right to life, I believe one of the primary responsibilities of the pro-life movement is to help expecting mothers throughout their pregnancy. The Pregnant Students’ Rights Act does just that by informing pregnant college students of their accommodations and rights as both mothers and students. That is why I’m proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation, which will ensure mothers won’t have to choose between their education and their unborn child.””

Lindsey Graham opposes extending background checks, stating concerns that universal checks would lead to universal gun registration. He joined in introducing a bill in March 2013 to close a loophole by flagging individuals with insanity defenses or court-ordered mental health treatment from purchasing guns. Senator Graham is the lead sponsor of the Respect for the Second Amendment Act and led the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2023. He earned an "A" rating from NSSF for his support for the Second Amendment.

“I am honored to be recognized by NSSF today. It is now more important than ever that we stand up for our right to bear arms, promote responsible gun ownership, and protect America’s licensed gun dealers. I will always fight to preserve the Second Amendment,” said Senator Graham.”