local
Senator Lindsey Graham dies age 71
By Caitrin Assaf, Priscilla Huff at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 12, 2026
· 4 min read
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Senator Lindsay Graham, Republican senator of South Carolina, has passed away following a “brief and short illness,” just days after he turned 71.President Donald Trump says the South Carolina Senator was a dear friend and ordered all American flags lowered to half-staff un...
Key takeaway Graham was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1994 and then to the Senate in 2002, filing the seat of the longest-serving Senator, Strom Thurmond.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The passing of Senator Lindsey Graham may seem like a distant event to Laredo residents, but his legacy has a direct impact on the community. As a key player in immigration reform, Graham's efforts in 2013 to craft legislation with the Gang of 8 resonated deeply in a city like Laredo, where the border and immigration are everyday concerns. Although the bill ultimately stalled, Graham's willingness to work across party lines on this issue is noteworthy, especially given Laredo's own experiences with the complexities of border policy. Furthermore, Graham's later role in shaping the judiciary, including the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, will have far-reaching implications for the city's residents, particularly in matters of border security, trade, and individual rights. As Laredo continues to navigate its unique position on the US-Mexico border, the consequences of Graham's policy decisions will be felt for years to come.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Senator Lindsay Graham, Republican senator of South Carolina, has passed away following a “brief and short illness,” just days after he turned 71.President Donald Trump says the South Carolina Senator was a dear friend and ordered all American flags lowered to half-staff un...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caitrin Assaf, Priscilla Huff at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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