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◆ Mixed look for FryElections / Campaigns

Trump endorses Darline Graham in SC Senate primary race, but others are jumping in

Fry entered the Senate race and presented himself as a strong ally of President Trump.

Trump endorses Darline Graham in SC Senate primary race, but others are jumping in
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This article1 analysis · Oct 2, 2026
Fox News
Jul 21, 2026
tl;dr

Darline Graham announced a Republican bid for a full Senate term after President Trump endorsed her, but Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry also entered the race. Their campaigns set up a competitive GOP primary for the seat held by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Community verdict

22 VOTES
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Russell Fry R · SC-7
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People in this story

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Russell Fry
R · SC-7

Republican Senate candidate

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ralph Norman
R · SC-5

Republican Senate candidate

Norman's version of this story ↗
Darline Graham
R · SC · SEN

Republican Senate candidate

Graham's version of this story ↗
Rick Scott
R · FL · SEN

U.S. senator who endorsed Norman

Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

Late South Carolina senator whose seat is being contested

Nancy Mace
R · SC-1

South Carolina representative who declined to run and endorsed Norman

Mark Lynch
R · SC

Republican Senate candidate

John Barrasso
R · WY · SEN

Senate Majority Whip who endorsed Darline Graham

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Darline Graham

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate Majority Leader who commented on Graham's candidacy

South Carolina-based Republican consultant

Democratic nominee for the general election

Mike Lee
R · UT · SEN

U.S. senator who endorsed Norman

ALSO MENTIONED  Alan Wilson, South Carolina attorney general referenced in the prior gubernatorial runoff; Henry McMaster, South Carolina governor referenced in the account of Norman's earlier campaign; Pamela Evette, South Carolina lieutenant governor considering a Senate run; Ryan Williams, Republican strategist and communicator

Part of a bigger story

3 OUTLETS
Russell Fry Announces Campaign for South Carolina Senate Seat

Outlets agree Russell Fry entered the Republican race for South Carolina’s Senate seat, with Ralph Norman also in the field. Left-leaning outlets cast the bids as a challenge to Trump’s influence and focus on his endorsement of Darline Graham. Center outlets emphasize the crowded field and the possible effect on Fry’s House seat if he wins. Right-leaning outlets foreground Trump’s endorsement alongside the rival bids, presenting Fry as a Trump ally.

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