Bob Graham, the former Florida governor who served three terms as a U.S. Senator has died, according to a statement from the Graham family.
“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: Bob Graham,” the statement read in part.
Before becoming Florida’s governor, he won a term in the Florida House of Representatives in 1966 and went on to serve in the Florida Senate from 1970 to 1978.
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He was elected governor in 1978 and served two terms. In 1986 Graham was elected U.S. Senator from Florida. He was reelected in 1992 and 1998.
The news of his death was posted on social media by his daughter, Gwen Graham. Tributes from leaders throughout Central Florida and the country soon started being posted on social media.
— Gwen Graham (@GwenGraham) April 17, 2024
The Florida Democratic Party released a statement that read:
Today, Florida mourns the loss of Bob Graham, who served as Governor of Florida from 1979–1987 and as a United States Senator from 1987–2005. In response, the Florida Democratic Party has issued the following statement:
“There are no words that can fully capture what Bob Graham meant to the state of Florida. A giant in Florida politics, Bob set the standard for every elected official who followed — both Democrat and Republican. He lived a life most of us could only dream of, one where he impacted the lives of millions with an unparalleled heart for service and a moral compass that always pointed true. Our hearts go out to Adele, Gwen, and the entire Graham family as they mourn their loss and celebrate his incredible life.
“Part of the DNA of every Florida Democrat is living up to the example Bob Graham set for us. As we honor his legacy, may we all love and serve Florida the way he did — with a twinkle in our eyes and a curiosity for things unknown.”
Florida Democratic Party
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Bob Graham will long be remembered as a statesman who truly cared for the state of Florida.”
Bob Graham will long be remembered as a statesman who truly cared for the state of Florida. He was a long time customer of Captain Andersons and was kind enough to take me to lunch in the FL Senate dining room and share some wisdom when I was just a student in community college.… https://t.co/t20rbJak6X
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) April 17, 2024
Rep. Maxwell Frost, who represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, called Graham a “giant” who was a great public servant.
Florida and the nation lost a great public servant and giant today. Senator & Governor Bob Graham’s legacy is alive throughout our beautiful state, from education to the environment. @GwenGraham, I’m sending you and your family so much love today. https://t.co/a4chbKc22U
— Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@MaxwellFrostFL) April 17, 2024
Bob Graham set the bar for public service in Florida and was an inspiration for future generations.
— Carlos Guillermo Smith (@CarlosGSmith) April 17, 2024
Thank you, Governor (and Senator) Graham, for showing the way.
My condolences to @GwenGraham and the entire family. 😢 https://t.co/FtFQmP7Ujt pic.twitter.com/FziqHTfQPk
A true public servant who deeply loved Florida. May his memory be a blessing and inspiration to us all. 🕊️ https://t.co/FW60mIitZY
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) April 17, 2024
🙏My sincere condolences to Bob Graham and his family. May his memory and his legacy continue to inspire generations to come. #RIP https://t.co/Gv0jYyHcya
— Linda Stewart (@LindaStewartFL) April 17, 2024
It was with the deepest respect and sadness that I learned of the passing of Senator Bob Graham: a patriotic American and a great Member of the United States Senate.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) April 17, 2024
Paul and I extend our sympathy to his entire family, with gratitude for his distinguished public service. pic.twitter.com/Ydms5vAHx0