Vice President JD Vance (R-OH) honored the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) during a memorial service at the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday [1].

The eulogy highlighted the influential role Graham played in shaping the current U.S. Supreme Court, underscoring the late senator's impact on the American judiciary.

Speaking on July 28, 2026 [1], Vance said Graham was a longtime force on Capitol Hill [3]. He specifically credited Graham with playing a decisive role in the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court during the 2018 hearings [2, 4].

"I would not be on the Supreme Court without Lindsey Graham," Vance said [5].

Graham died at the age of 71 [1]. During the service, Vance praised the senator's interpersonal skills and his ability to navigate the complexities of legislative politics. He said Graham had a unique ability to connect with people, and an infectious personality [6].

The memorial gathered colleagues and dignitaries to reflect on Graham's career. Vance focused his remarks on the behind-the-scenes efforts Graham led to ensure the 2018 confirmation succeeded [4].

Throughout the service, the Vice President emphasized that Graham's legacy was defined by his loyalty, and his effectiveness as a strategist within the Republican party. The event served as a final tribute to a lawmaker who remained a central figure in U.S. politics for decades.

“"I would not be on the Supreme Court without Lindsey Graham."”

The acknowledgment of Graham's role in the 2018 Kavanaugh confirmation emphasizes the critical nature of senatorial leadership in judicial appointments. By linking the current composition of the Supreme Court to Graham's specific efforts, Vance highlighted how individual political maneuvering can lead to long-term shifts in the U.S. legal landscape.