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 The Midland
The passing of Senator Lindsey Graham may seem like a distant event to Midlanders, but his legacy has implications for the Permian Basin. As a key player in shaping the nation's immigration policies, Graham's efforts, although unsuccessful, aimed to address issues that affect the local workforce and economy. The oil and gas industry, a significant sector in Midland , relies heavily on immigrant labor, and any changes to immigration laws could have a direct impact on the local job market. Furthermore, Graham's role in confirming conservative judges, including those who have ruled on environmental and energy-related cases, may have repercussions for the region's energy industry. As Midland continues to grow and develop, the city's residents should be aware of how national politics, including the legacy of leaders like Graham, can influence local issues and the economy.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caitrin Assaf, Priscilla Huff at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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