All articles tagged with #russell fry
Rep. Russell Fry has endorsed Sen. Darline Graham for the U.S. Senate, joining President Trump and other GOP leaders in supporting her ahead of the August 25 runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman.
GOP Rep. Russell Fry endorsed Sen. Darline Graham for the South Carolina Senate, a critical move to consolidate support ahead of the August 25 runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman. This endorsement follows a period of intense conflict between the two candidates and comes as President Trump actively lobbied other rivals, including former Gov. Mark Sanford, to back Graham after her lack of experience drew criticism from the MAGA base. The race, triggered by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, highlights a growing tension between presidential endorsements and grassroots Republican loyalty in the state.
South Carolina’s special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham is heading to a runoff, with Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman emerging as the likely finalists. Despite President Trump’s endorsement of Graham, the compressed timeline and the state’s independent voter culture have prevented any single candidate from securing a majority. The race highlights a rare dynamic where Trump’s backing is contested by rivals with their own strong local infrastructure and conservative credentials.
South Carolina's GOP Senate contest is being reshaped as Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, officially enters the special election to replace the late senator after Trump urged the move, while Rep. Nancy Mace chooses not to run. Fellow Republicans Ralph Norman, Russell Fry, and Mark Lynch are also entering the race, with filing looming. Fry's bid could force a double-ballot scenario under state law, potentially leaving his House seat vacant if he wins both races and affecting the GOP majority.
South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry announced a bid in the special Senate race to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, signaling a MAGA-aligned challenge in a crowded Republican field that already includes Graham’s interim successor Darline Graham (backed by Trump for the Aug. 11 primary); Fry will also run for his House seat as filing opens, with others like Ralph Norman weighing in, while Democrat Annie Andrews awaits the general election.
Trump hinted he could back Rep. Russell Fry as a long-term replacement for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, with an Aug. 11 South Carolina special election looming; Fry is among the leading contenders and Trump’s potential endorsement could steer the race, as other SC lawmakers like Pam Evette, Nancy Mace, and Ralph Norman also pursue the seat while Gov. Henry McMaster named Darline Graham interim senator.