Bob Graham, a former U.S. senator and two-term Florida governor celebrated for his groundbreaking “workdays” initiative, has passed away at the age of 87, as confirmed by his family. His daughter, Gwen Graham, announced his death Tuesday night through a statement.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Bob Graham, a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, and most importantly, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,” the family expressed. “We will always remember his love for us, Florida, the United States, and the world. We are thankful for the life he shared with us.”
Daniel Robert “Bob” Graham was born on November 9, 1936, in Dade County, Florida, to Ernest “Cap” Graham, a state senator, and Hilda Simmons Graham, a schoolteacher. Raised on a cattle farm in the Everglades, he engaged in farm work and later pursued political science at the University of Florida, followed by law studies at Harvard.
Entering Florida politics in the mid-1960s as a Democrat, Bob Graham introduced his pioneering workdays initiative during his tenure as a state senator in 1974. This initiative involved him working alongside constituents in various ordinary jobs for a day, starting with teaching civics at Miami’s Carol City Senior High School.
Bob Graham’s commitment to the initiative, where he actively participated and trained for each job, resonated with voters, leading to his election as Florida’s governor in 1978, a position he held for two terms, securing re-election in 1982.
As governor, Bob Graham focused on diversifying Florida’s economy, enhancing public education, and implementing notable environmental programs. His efforts to conserve the Everglades, protect wetlands, and safeguard the state’s coastlines garnered national and international acclaim.
Transitioning to the U.S. Senate in 1986, Bob Graham served three terms and chaired the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence during his final term. Notably, he co-chaired the joint House-Senate inquiry into the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and co-sponsored legislation to establish the position of director of National Intelligence.
Upon retiring from the Senate in 2005, Graham advocated for bipartisan cooperation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the nation over party lines. He underscored the significance of fostering relationships and mutual respect among politicians.
Throughout his political career, Graham completed 406 workdays, including 214 during his tenure in Congress, which he credited with maintaining close ties with constituents and informing his legislative priorities.
Following retirement, Graham served as a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, contributing to the establishment of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida in 2008.
In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed Graham to co-chair the national commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, reflecting his ongoing commitment to public service and environmental stewardship.
