Trump signals support for Russell Fry in South Carolina special election

Former U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for Republican Representative Russell Fry in the election for the seat of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump described Fry as 'extraordinary' and 'very talented'.

Scraper SystemJuly 15, 2026, 10:05 AM

Trump signals support for Russell Fry in South Carolina special election

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has intervened in the Republican nomination race for a key Senate seat in South Carolina. In an interview with Newsmax, Trump pointed to Representative Russell Fry as the person to succeed the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

Trump said, "Russell Fry is a young congressman, an extraordinary person, and this could happen. I can see it happening. He is very, very talented." The statement is seen as a significant development among candidates seeking Trump's endorsement ahead of the special election scheduled for August 11.

In the Republican nomination race, Representatives Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman are also vying for Trump's endorsement alongside Fry. It is known that Trump also supported Fry in the 2022 congressional elections, helping him defeat former Representative Tom Rice, who voted for Trump's impeachment, in the primary.

Meanwhile, regarding the interim appointment, Trump said he also supported the appointment of Graham's sister, Darline Graham, by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster on Monday to complete the senator's remaining term. Darline Graham is expected to be sworn in on Tuesday. Trump said he believes Darline Graham will serve "only temporarily."

The list of potential candidates also includes South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who previously defeated Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette, whom Trump had endorsed, in the gubernatorial race.