“Bob Graham was a colleague, friend, and devoted Floridian whose nearly 50 years of service to his beloved home state and to our country have made America a safer and stronger nation . . . He was full of humor and humanity, and I’m grateful for the support that he gave me over the years.” Full Statement President Joe Biden
“Senator Bob Graham emerged from our university with a heart for public service. He prized finding common ground rather than sowing division — and he was a champion of democracy and civic engagement.” University of Florida President Ben Sasse
“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.” U.S. Senator Rick Scott
“Bob Graham was a selfless public servant, whose legacy and impact will live on. From his days in the state House to his days in the governor’s mansion and the U.S. Senate, Bob Graham always understood whom he served. It was a core value, one that he lived out even after he retired from public service. Florida, and the nation, lost a very good man.” U.S. Senator Marco Rubio
“Florida mourns the loss of former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham today. 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.” Gov. Ron DeSantis
“Bob Graham was a friend and a consummate public servant. As a governor, senator, and legislator, he spent decades fighting for the people of Florida. He was also a champion of the environment, which is why, after the BP oil spill, I asked Bob to co-chair a commission tasked with preventing a disaster of that magnitude from ever happening again.” Former President Barack Obama
“Governor Ron DeSantis and I offer our condolences to the Graham family upon the passing of the former governor. Bob Graham was a public servant who dedicated decades of service to our great state and championed worthy causes like preserving the Everglades. My he rest in peace.” FL First Lady Casey DeSantis
“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.” FL Attorney General Ashley Moody
“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.” FL Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis
“Bob Graham…One of America’s finest public servants, Adele’s cherished husband and a devoted father and grandfather has left us for his celestial home. He strongly believed that ‘a public office is a public trust’. What a legacy!” Former U.S. Senator Bill Nelson
“Florida and our country has lost a great public servant. Bob Graham served Floridians with a servants heart, with integrity and with civility.” Former Gov. Jeb Bush
“So sad to hear about the passing of former Senator Bob Graham. He was an outstanding leader for our state and nation and a great friend of our family. May he rest in peace.” Chair of the Bob Graham Center Council of Advisors James H. Shimberg, Jr.
“Bob Graham was a genuine and decent man. In any direction, his legacy pulses through Florida and anyone who calls it home. I was so fortunate to get to know him, to share our mutual love for our alma mater, the University of Florida, and to spend time listening to the nuggets of his vast experience and absorb his lessons whenever possible.” U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz
“Bob Graham will always be ‘Mr. Florida’. He remained our beloved ‘Governor’ even through his years in the U.S. Senate and beyond. Honest, smart, always with his notebook, informed by his ‘workdays’, devoted to Florida’s natural environment, a booster for public education and committed to high ethical standards – Graham was one of Florida’s greatest public servants.” U.S. Representative Kathy Castor
“As Florida’s Governor and Senator, Bob Graham leaves a legacy as a man of the people. His hundreds of ‘workdays’ brought him close to Floridians.” U.S. Representative Lois Frankel
“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.” U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Graham — a devoted public servant who served the great state of Florida as a state legislator, U.S. senator, and governor. His commitment to protecting the Everglades, increasing civic engagement, and mentoring the next generation of Floridians will leave a lasting legacy in the Sunshine State. His 400 ‘workdays’ set the standard for what a true public servant looks like.” U.S. Representative Darren Soto
“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…He brought his love for his family and for his state of Florida to the Senate, where he served with immense dignity and courage.” U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi
“I am saddened by the passing of former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham. His unwavering commitment to public service, education, the Everglades, and healthcare transformed Florida for the better. My condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
“My heart goes out to the Graham family as they mourn the loss of Governor and Senator Bob Graham. He was an exemplary public servant and advocate for all Floridians. May he rest in peace. His legacy in Florida will live on forever.” U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson
“Former Governor & U.S. Senator Bob Graham was a true leader & dedicated public servant. He fought hard for all Floridians, & I know his impact on the Sunshine State will be felt for years to come.” U.S. Representative Dr. Neal Dunn
“Bob Graham will be dearly missed. His southern charm, kindness, grit and heart for service made him a Florida Man for the ages.” U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the esteemed former U.S. Senator and Governor of Florida, Bob Graham. His profound dedication to the Sunshine State and his pivotal role in shaping Miami Lakes into the thriving city it is today has left an indelible mark.” U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart
“Bob Graham was a giant in the Senate and a great friend. John and I send our deepest condolences to his wife Adele, his family and friends, and all those that loved and worked with him throughout his extraordinary life and career” U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
“My heart is with the Graham family after hearing the news that we lost Bob Graham. He was the best of Florida: dedicated to our democracy, our environment, our community, and above all our beautiful state. His legacy will live on in the generation of public servants he inspired. He will be greatly missed.” Former U.S. Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
“Bob Graham will always be remembered as one of the most significant figures in the history of the Sunshine State. He made a huge difference. His love for people and genuine desire to serve their interests differentiated him from any politician I ever met. He will be missed.” Former U.S. Representative Jason Altmire
“Bob 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 being….His love for our state may have only been matched by his love for his Florida Gators…We all should strive to be the type of person Bob Graham was who gave selflessly and lived life fully.” Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried
“Bob Graham was many things – Governor, Senator, father, husband, statesman, a lifelong friend, and so much more. Above all else, Bob Graham was a kind and decent human being who, through his signature work days and policy platforms, uplifted the plight of everyday working people. Florida would be better off if there were more like Governor Graham. His servant leadership — and friendship — will be greatly missed.” FL State Senator Lauren Book
“In times of loss, we remember a giant among us. Bob Graham was not just a Governor or a U.S. Senator; he was a beacon of leadership and a devoted family man. His legacy of compassion and dedication will endure.
We express our gratitude to Senator Graham for the path he has forged for countless others.” FL State Senator Shevrin Jones
“Florida mourns the loss of a faithful public servant, Governor Bob Graham. Adriana and I join others in extending our condolences to the Graham family as they celebrate his life and service.” Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Paul Renner
“A true public servant who deeply loved Florida. May his memory be a blessing and inspiration to us all.” FL House Representative Anna V. Eskamani
“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a true servant leader – former FL Governor and U.S. Senator, Bob Graham. His legacy of service and commitment to our state and our nation will always be remembered. Let us uplift his family and loved one during this difficult time.” FL House Representative Fentrice Driskell
“…His example inspired many, including me, to commit to the highest ideals of public service…” FL House Representative Tom Keen
“Former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham was a giant. As one of the greatest Floridians, he was a role model for me and countless others who aspired to elective office. His legacy of service will endure forever.” Palm Beach County State Attorney and former FL Senator Dave Aronberg
“Rest in Peace Governor/Senator Bob Graham. I enjoyed working with him at the University of Florida. He always gave his time and attention to students and truly loved our great state.” Former President of the FL Senate Mike Haridopolos
“Former Governor & Senator Bob Graham was an incredible leader and model for all public servants. His example will continue to inspired us all.” Mayor of Tampa Jane Castor
“My prayers are with Bob Graham’s family. He changed countless lives for the better as a legislator, Governor of Florida, and U.S. Senator. He epitomized what it means to be a public servant. may we all follow his example and find our own ways to serve each other.” Mayor of Jacksonville Donna Deegan
“Bob Graham was a true statesman — in every way possible. We are all better because of his leadership, public service, and dedication to the people of Florida. My thoughts are with the Graham family at this time.” Mayor of Tallahassee John Dailey
“I loved that he was an unapologetic wonk, but also empathetic, inquisitive and entirely original. How lucky were we to have Bob Graham dedicate an entire lifetime of remarkable service to our State. There will not be another like him. He was Mr. Florida and will be missed.” Former Mayor of Miami Beach Dan Gelber
“Bob Graham set the bar for public service in Florida and was an inspiration for future generations. Thank you, Governor (and Senator) Graham, for showing the way.” Former FL House Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith
“This hurts. Bob Graham was the best of Florida. Ethics. Environment. Diversity. People. Without Bob Graham, there would be no Chief Justice Leander Shaw. And it was the honor of a lifetime for me to campaign by his side. Thank you Governor. Florida weeps for you.” Former FL House Representative Sean Shaw
“Bob Graham loved Florida. Never stopped fighting for her. In 1988, he gave a group of kids a personal tour of the U.S. Senate floor after we randomly ran into him. I next visited with him 30 years later at the Florida Capitol-we talked land conservation. May he rest in peace.” Former FL State Senator Rob Bradley
“Today we mourn Bob Graham, a true public servant to Florida and the U.S. He will be remembered as smart, compassionate, and diplomatic…” Former Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren
“We lost one of the truly great politicians the state of Florida has ever had. He defined class, dignity, respect and decorum while being a dedicated humanitarian. Today’s politicians could learn a lot from looking back at his amazing life of Senator/Governor Bob Graham.” Wildlife Expert Ron Magill
“The MDC Family is saddened to hear of the passing of former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham, a visionary leader, and tireless worker for the people of Florida. He graced us with his presence at our Book Fair, commencement, and many other college events he enthusiastically supported. His leadership, dignity, and immeasurable talents will be forever missed…” Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega
“I will cherish the phone calls, meetings and letters over the years with Bob Graham. He embodied public service and had a deep love for the Everglades. It was a privilege to know and learn from him.” Columnist Eric Eikenberg
“It was an honor to have known Former Governor and Congressman Bob Graham. I’ll never forget when he called me to let me know that I was named the Citizen of the Year. ” Voting Rights Activist Desmond Meade
“There are few things in my life I will treasure more than my friendship with Bob Graham over the last 20 years of my life. He loved this state like a member of his own family.” Political Strategist Steve Schale
“In the history of Florida, you will find few men who governed and led with such grace, honor, and dignity. He knew and loved this state and people like no other. We will not see his like again. A tremendous loss.” Political Consultant Rick Wilson
“I’m saddened by the death of Bob Graham. Like countless Floridians, my family got help from his constituency office. As an adult, I got to thank him. He represented our state with joy, dedication, civility, and dignity.” Political Strategist Ana Navarro-Cardenas
“I was honored to have known him since childhood for over four decades. He taught me more than I could possibly share. He was a mentor, a political ally and an eventual friend. He will be sorely missed.” Political Commentator Fred Menachem
“When I was 21 years old I worked part time sports-part time news. I was sent to cover at the time Governor Bob Graham. A few days later I received a letter from his office. Kept the letter for 40+years and as time went on was able to call him a friend.” University of Miami Sports Commentator Joseph Zagacki
“This week we mourn the loss of Senator Bob Graham, whose family legacy helped establish FIU. His father, Senator Ernest “Cap” Graham, envisioned a university for Miami’s future. Our thoughts are with the Graham family during this time.” Florida International University