US Rep. Russell Fry endorses Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina Republican Senate runoff

U.S. Rep. Russell Fry has endorsed Senator Darline Graham in South Carolina's Republican Senate primary runoff. Fry, who finished third in the initial primary, stated that Graham is capable of advancing President Donald Trump's agenda and understands the struggles of ordinary people. Graham is running to replace her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, and has also received endorsements from Senator Tim Scott and President Trump. Fry's endorsement highlights Graham's connection to Trump's agenda and her perceived understanding of everyday South Carolinians' challenges, stemming from her own difficult upbringing. The endorsement comes as Graham faces U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman in the runoff election.

Senator Darline Graham will face Congressman Ralph Norman in a runoff election for the South Carolina Republican nomination. Graham, appointed to complete her late brother's Senate term, held a narrow lead in the primary, while Norman, Russell Fry, and Mark Sanford were closely contesting second place. The winner of the August 25th runoff will advance to face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November. Graham has secured endorsements from Donald Trump, Governor Henry McMaster, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, highlighting her experience managing a state agency and recent legislative accomplishments. Norman, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, has focused on issues like voter citizenship verification and immigration enforcement. The primary saw candidates engage in sharp exchanges over their conservative approaches.

South Carolina Republicans are holding a special election on Tuesday to select a challenger for the upcoming midterm Senate race following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. Ten candidates are vying for the Republican nomination, including Graham's sister, Darline Graham, who has been appointed to finish his current term. Businessman Mark Lynch, current Congressmen Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, and former Governor Mark Sanford are also among the contenders. The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November. The special election is required by state law because Graham was elected in the June primary before his death. A recent poll indicates Darline Graham is leading the Republican field.

South Carolina Republicans are holding a special primary election on Tuesday to select a successor for the late US Senator Lindsey Graham. Ten candidates are competing in the compressed campaign, including Graham's sister, Darline, who was appointed interim senator by Governor Henry McMaster. If no candidate secures a majority, the top two will advance to a runoff on August 25th. The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November. Prominent candidates include Darline Graham, who has Donald Trump's endorsement, US Representative Russell Fry, and former Governor Mark Sanford. The election cycle is challenging due to its brevity, forcing candidates to quickly connect with voters in a state known for its local political engagement.