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Common Ground Scorecard for Lindsey Graham

U.S. Senate

Lindsey Graham (SC - R)

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During his first three terms in the Senate, Lindsey Graham evolved from a maverick allied with the late John McCain to an opponent-turned-ally of President Donald Trump, shepherding his judicial nominations to confirmation. Graham cultivates an image of a deal-maker. He seeks compromise with Democrats on some issues, which sometimes arouses the ire of conservative activists back home in South Carolina. After law school, he spent six years in the Air Force as a military lawyer. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in May 2015 after 33 years of service.

(Bloomberg Government biography of Lindsey Graham)

Learn what Lindsey Graham says about finding common ground

Up for Reelection in 2026

Top Organizations and Groups

  • Senate Committee on Budget (Ranking Member)
  • Senate Committee on Appropriations
  • Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
  • Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Common Ground Score is

52
Well Above Average

Based on a scale of 0-100, below is a breakdown of the Common Ground Score:

Official PerformanceMAX 30
2
Personal ActionsMAX 30
20
CommunicationsMAX 20
20
CommitmentsMAX 20
0
BONUS: Outstanding Common GrounderMAX 10
10

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Common Ground Score History for Lindsey Graham

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Official Performance Commentary

Top 75% for Official Performance. Official Performance score decreased 11 points based on 2021 performance.

Personal Actions Commentary

Joined Senator Bernie Sanders for an Oxford-style debate as part of The Senate Project hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center. Member of the Senate Common Sense Coalition.

Communications Commentary

"The only way we can move the country forward is to find common ground on these big-ticket items. And I hope that people in the country will start rewarding that more instead of punishing it." Fifth most instances of promoting common ground in communications (58) among all officials.

Commitments Commentary

The politician has not affirmed the commitments.

Outstanding Commmon Grounder Commentary

Won Prize For Civility In Public Life from Allegheny College.

What are the score ranges?

  • Champion
  • Well Above Average
  • Somewhat Above Average
  • Average
  • Somewhat Below Average
  • Well Below Average

Insufficient Data to Score

For candidates without congressional or gubernatorial service, Official Performance points are a predictive estimate using statistical modeling.

Personal Actions points can be provisionally awarded for a commitment to take the action(s) within the first six months of office, if elected.

Maverick Matrix for Lindsey Graham

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