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Russell Fry Endorses Trump-Backed Darline Graham Ahead of South Carolina GOP Runoff

The endorsement deepens pro‑Trump consolidation, potentially deciding the Aug. 25 Republican nominee for the late Lindsey Graham’s seat.

Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., speaks with reporters after advancing to a special GOP Senate primary runoff to replace Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., leans over to hear a reporter's question following at a candidate event for hopefuls vying in a special Republican primary to replace her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on November ballots, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, in Florence, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., listens to an audience question at a campaign event for Republicans vying in a special Senate primary to replace Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
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Overview

  • Rep. Russell Fry publicly backed interim Sen. Darline Graham on Friday and asked his supporters to join her for the Aug. 25 Republican runoff.
  • Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman advanced to the runoff after a compressed special primary that left Graham with just under 33 percent of the vote and Norman with roughly 24.5 percent.
  • Fry’s move adds to high‑profile support for Graham from President Trump and Sen. Tim Scott, even as Norman retains backers linked to Nikki Haley and outside groups such as Turning Point Action.
  • Because the seat is safely Republican, the Aug. 25 runoff is widely viewed as likely to decide who will be the November general election winner and who fills Lindsey Graham’s full term.
  • If a current House member wins the Senate seat, it would trigger a separate special election for that House seat and could briefly alter the GOP’s House margin while shaping Senate dynamics on issues such as filibuster rules.