Former Florida governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham dies at 87

Former U.S. Senator and two-term Florida Governor Bob Graham has passed away at the age of 87.

Graham’s family announced his death on April 16, 2024, in a statement posted by his daughter Gwen Graham.

“We are deeply saddened to report the passing of a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, and even more importantly, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,” the family said.

During his tenure, Graham gained national prominence as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee following the 2001 terrorist attacks and was known for his early opposition to the Iraq war.

A three-term Senator, Graham made a bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, but his campaign was impacted by heart surgery in January 2003. Despite his efforts, he withdrew from the race in October of the same year.

Throughout his political career, Graham was known for his unique quirks, including his “workdays” where he spent time doing various jobs and meticulously kept a diary of his activities.

During his time in Washington, Graham built bipartisan relationships, notably with Florida Republican Connie Mack during their twelve years together in the Senate.

Graham’s political career spanned five decades, starting with his election to the Florida House of Representatives in 1966.

In June 2010, President Barack Obama selected Graham as one of five members for an independent commission to investigate the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

He is survived by his wife Adele Khoury Graham and children: Gwen Graham, Suzanne Graham Gibson, Cissy Graham McCullough, Kendall Graham Elias.