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

U.S. Representative Russell Fry endorsed Senator Darline Graham in South Carolina's Republican Senate primary runoff. Fry stated that she should replace her late brother on the general election ballots due to her ability to advance President Donald Trump's agenda and her understanding of everyday people's struggles. Fry finished third in a special primary held on Tuesday, while Graham and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman advanced to the August 25 runoff.

His support comes after that of other influential Republicans, such as Senator Tim Scott and President Trump, who have also backed Graham. President Trump's early endorsement played a significant role in propelling his own congressional career. Fry expressed confidence that Graham would be an excellent addition to the Senate, stating that she would "show up every day and get results."

Graham's brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, passed away suddenly last month, and Darline Graham was appointed to serve out the remainder of his term before deciding to run for the seat herself. The special primary took place just a month after Lindsey Graham's death, resulting in a compressed and sometimes chaotic campaign for the 10 candidates competing to replace him.

The heated rhetoric between Fry and a political action committee supporting Graham centered around Trump's decision to back Graham instead of Fry. Both Fry and Graham have often highlighted their humble origins as a way to connect with voters and understand the challenges faced by families across South Carolina. Fry also emphasized Graham's ability to relate to everyday struggles, as she had a difficult upbringing and was ultimately adopted by her older brother after their parents died when she was young.

Matt Gorman, a Republican strategist and former senior adviser to Scott, suggested that Fry's endorsement of Graham was a strategic move for the 41-year-old congressman, who has faced consequences for some Republicans who have crossed Trump. Fry's endorsement provides Graham with a significant boost in the runoff, where she will face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in November's general election.