South Carolina Republican Rep. Russell Fry announced Monday he will enter the special election for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s seat. His entry sets up a crowded GOP primary challenge against President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate, Darline Graham, and others, as the state’s candidate filing period begins this week.
Russell Fry’s Entry Into the Senate Race
Rep. Russell Fry, a Republican representing South Carolina, officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate on Monday. He is seeking to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, who passed away earlier this month due to a heart issue, according to a preliminary examination by the District of Columbia’s medical examiner. Fry, who has maintained close ties to Trump’s political orbit since being hand-picked to challenge Rep. Tom Rice in 2022, is running for both his House seat and the Senate in the upcoming special election, two people close to Fry confirmed. The 71-year-old Graham was first elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving in the House of Representatives since 1995.
“There is no other way to put it: Lindsey Graham was one of a kind. There is no replacing him. But I believe the best way to honor his legacy is to fight alongside the President just as steadfastly as he did.”
Russell Fry, U.S. Representative
Fry stated that he was prompted to join the race by voters concerned about economic issues, noting, High gas prices and soaring grocery costs are hurting hardworking people every day.
He framed his candidacy as a conservative MAGA alternative for the summer special Republican primary. Fry stated there is too much at stake to take a chance, so I’m answering the call.
Darline Graham’s Interim Appointment and Trump’s Endorsement
Following the death of her brother, Darline Graham was appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to serve the remainder of the Senate term. She was sworn in last week, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the upper chamber. While her appointment was initially viewed by many as a caretaker role, she has received an endorsement from Donald Trump to seek a full term. Sen. Darline Graham Nordone has said she is considering a run for a full term, but it is not yet clear whether she will.
In a social media post, Trump encouraged her candidacy, stating, I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey.
His post included the directive, RUN, DARLINE, RUN!
Sen. Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, also publicly backed her, telling CBS News that she has had a remarkable start,
adding, “Why not her?”
Ralph Norman and the Growing Primary Field
The Republican field is expanding rapidly as the filing window for candidates opens Tuesday. Rep. Ralph Norman has confirmed he will also seek the nomination, signaling that he will not withdraw despite the endorsement of Darline Graham by Trump. He decided to go with Darline Graham, and that’s fine,
Norman told NewsNation. No, I’m not going to drop out. I’m in this race to win it. We’ve got a country to save.
Norman has secured backing from Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Rick Scott of Florida, as well as Turning Point USA. He argued that election integrity remains a top priority, stating, What’s more basic than America first, and what’s more basic than making sure our elections are safe and secure?
Other potential candidates mentioned include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Nancy Mace, and businessman Mark Lynch. Lynch, who lost to Graham in the June primary, said he is campaigning as a political outsider and supports term limits. I’m a finisher. And I’m not a career politician and I’m a guy that executes,
Lynch told NewsNation.
Eligibility Requirements and Party Rules
A potential hurdle for Darline Graham Nordone involves new rules adopted by the South Carolina GOP at their June convention. These rules require candidates for the Republican nomination to have voted in at least two of the last three statewide Republican primaries. A local party chair stated that public records indicate she did not participate in the 2022 or 2024 Republican primaries, though she did vote in the June 2026 Republican primary and the 2024 runoff. To qualify, she would likely need a waiver from the party’s executive committee or a favorable interpretation of the rules from the rules committee. Meanwhile, polling data released this week found that 16% of South Carolina voters would support Norman’s bid, while nearly 13% would support businessman Mark Lynch, with 18% of voters remaining undecided. The winner of the special Republican Primary will face Democrat Annie Andrews.
Sources: Politico, NewsNation.
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