Rep. Russell Fry announced Monday that he will enter South Carolina’s crowded GOP Senate primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, setting up a direct challenge to former President Trump’s endorsed candidate, Darline Graham.
Fry, a two-term congressman from Myrtle Beach representing South Carolina’s 7th District, declared his candidacy for the special election scheduled for August 11. In a statement, Fry said he believed the best way to honor Graham’s legacy was to “fight alongside the President just as steadfastly as he did.”
The move is notable because Trump had previously backed Fry’s political career. In 2022, Trump hand-picked Fry to challenge and defeat Rep. Tom Rice in a GOP primary after Rice voted to impeach Trump following the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Despite that history, Fry is now running against Trump’s preferred candidate in the Senate race.
Trump endorsed Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, on July 17, three days before Fry’s announcement. Darline was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to temporarily fill the Senate seat following her brother’s sudden death on July 11 at age 71. She was sworn in last week as the first woman to represent South Carolina in the upper chamber. Trump urged her to seek a full term, posting on social media: “RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”
Fry’s entry into the race reflects tension within the South Carolina GOP over whether a House member should leave Congress to run for Senate, given the razor-thin Republican House majority. Senior GOP figures had privately expressed concern about losing a House seat to a special election. However, according to Politico, Fry confirmed he will continue running for his House seat while simultaneously competing in the Senate primary.
Fry positioned himself as a conservative alternative, calling himself a “conservative MAGA candidate” and citing economic hardship as his motivation. “High gas prices and soaring grocery costs are hurting hardworking people every day,” he said. “There’s too much at stake to take a chance, so I’m answering the call.”
The field is expected to grow beyond Fry and Darline Graham. Rep. Ralph Norman has also announced his candidacy, and the race could include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Nancy Mace, businessman Mark Lynch, and former Gov. Mark Sanford. The filing window for candidates opens Tuesday.
Whoever wins the Republican primary will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election.
Sources
- Politico — Fry’s announcement, Trump’s hand-picking him in 2022, Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham, the House majority concern, and details of the primary date
- The Hill — Fry’s entry into the race and the August 11 primary date
- Post and Courier — Fry’s Senate campaign announcement
- Fox News — Multiple Republicans defying Trump to enter the race
- NBC News — Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham and her appointment
- The New York Times — Lindsey Graham’s death and cause (aortic issue)
