He served as an MLA from 1993 to 2014, as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick from 2010 to 2014, and as a member of the provincial cabinet from 1999 to 2006.
He became a small business owner and was involved in local politics at the school board level.
Graham's victory was seen as a sign that CoR would not necessarily displace the Progressive Conservatives as the voice of conservatism in Anglophone New Brunswick.
Graham, who co-chaired the election campaign, was named deputy premier and Minister of Supply and Services.
His party failed to win a plurality of seats in the 2006 election so Graham left cabinet and returned to opposition.