Trump hints at backing Rep. Russell Fry for South Carolina Senate seat
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President Donald Trump said he views Rep. Russell Fry as a strong candidate for the upcoming special election to fill the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat, while the governor appointed Graham's sister to the interim position.
President Donald Trump indicated that Rep. Russell Fry could be a leading contender in the special election scheduled for Aug. 11 to fill the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's Senate seat in South Carolina. Trump told Newsmax that he considers Fry "a very, very talented person" and could see him winning the race.
Fry, who defeated former Rep. Tom Rice in the 2022 Republican primary, has reportedly been in contact with the White House about a possible Senate run, according to a Politico report. The White House and Fry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham, to serve the remainder of the term, with Trump noting that her service would be interim.
Other potential Republican candidates include Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, the latter of whom has asked Trump for an endorsement. Both Mace and Norman previously sought the GOP nomination for governor, which was won by Attorney General Alan Wilson.