Russell Fry announces campaign for Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat
Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) has announced his candidacy in the August 11 primary to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Fry describes himself as a “conservative MAGA candidate” aiming to address issues like high gas and grocery prices affecting South carolina families.Several other candidates, including Ralph Norman, Duke Buckner, and Mark Lynch, have also declared their intention to compete in the race. The seat is currently held temporarily by Darline Graham Nordone, Graham’s sister, whom President Trump endorsed for a full term. Nordone has not formally announced her candidacy yet, but she has support from prominent figures like Tim Scott. Fry, who represents South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District, is seen as a strong contender in a safely Republican district. Trump previously described Fry as an “outstanding” candidate before endorsing Nordone.
Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) will be running in the Aug. 11 primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in the Senate, he announced Monday morning.
“Too many South Carolina families are struggling to make ends meet. High gas prices and soaring grocery costs are hurting hardworking people. We need a conservative fighter in the Senate who delivers real results. I will be your conservative MAGA candidate in the special primary Senate election this summer,” Fry said in a statement announcing his bid.
Recommended Stories
Fry is the latest candidate to announce his bid to run for the South Carolina seat in November, joining several others, including Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), who announced their candidacies over the weekend. Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) tapped Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone (R-SC), to replace her brother, the Palmetto State titan, in the upper chamber.
Though Nordone was largely expected to serve in a temporary caretaker role in her brother’s former seat, President Donald Trump endorsed her for the full term on Friday, while Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) also suggested Nordone as a permanent replacement for Graham. Nordone has not made any announcement yet about running for the full-term.
As of Sunday, Norman, Graham’s main June primary challenger, businessman Mark Lynch, and recurring political candidate Duke Buckner have also announced their candidacies, according to WIS10 news.
Trump told NEWSMAX last week that Fry would be an “outstanding” candidate to fill Graham’s seat, before endorsing Nordone.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT DARLINE GRAHAM NORDONE, SOUTH CAROLINA’S NEWEST SENATOR
Fry currently represents South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District, covering Myrtle Beach and the northeast part of the state. The two-term incumbent serves in a safe GOP district, where he won the 2024 election by 29.9 percentage points. He was set to take on Democrat John Vincent in the November general election for the district.
Cook Political Report ranks the 7th District as a “Solid Republican” seat.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
