Former Florida Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham passes away at 87, leaders mourn

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Former Florida Gov. and three-term U.S. Sen. Bob Graham passed away Tuesday at the age of 87, his family announced on social media.

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

Graham, a Democrat, served as Florida’s governor from 1979-1987, and as its U.S. senator from 1987-2005. He also chaired the Intelligence Committee following the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“As a legislator, Florida’s 38th governor, and a United States Senator, Bob Graham devoted his life to the betterment of the world around him. The memorials to that devotion are everywhere from the Everglades and other natural treasures he was determined to preserve, to the colleges and universities he championed with his commitment to higher education, to the global understanding he helped foster through his work with the intelligence community, and so many more,” Graham continued.

Later on, Graham made an unsuccessful bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination. He also was a strong opponent of the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, stating it averted attention from fighting terrorism during the war in Afghanistan.

In addition, Graham criticized then-President George W. Bush for failing to have an occupation plan following the ouster of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

“Florida mourns the loss of former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham today,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “He was a devoted public servant who, among other important work, made enormous achievements in conserving Florida’s natural resources. We are grateful for his service to our state and nation. May he rest in peace.”

Other state officials, including U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., shared their thoughts on Graham.

“Bob Graham was a good man and a great Floridian who dedicated his life to our state. His legacy will live forever, not because of any title he held, but for what he did with those opportunities to improve Florida and the lives of families in the Sunshine State,” Scott said.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody also expressed her condolences.

“Incredibly sad to learn about the passing of Governor Bob Graham. He was a true public servant that loved Florida and so many Floridians loved him back. Grateful for all that he did for our state. His memory and service will be cherished for decades to come,” Moody said.

Nikki Fried, chairwoman for the Florida Democratic Party, said Graham “exemplified what it meant to be a servant of the people.”

“He gave everything he had to the people of our great state and boy did he love our state with all of his heart and all of his well being,” Fried said.

Before jumping on the national stage, Graham was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1966. He also served as a state Senator in 1970 before becoming Florida’s governor later in the decade.

Born in Coral Gables, Graham worked on his father’s dairy farm. He eventually attended Miami Senior High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida in 1959 and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in 1962.

“Bob Graham committed his life to serving our great state and its people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones as they navigate this tremendous loss,” Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, said.