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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

Republicans Defy Trump's Senate MAGA Power Grab

Trump endorsed Graham Nordone if she runs for a full term, but she has not publicly announced her plans.

Republicans Defy Trump's Senate MAGA Power Grab
Image · The Daily Beast

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Outlet credibilityThe Daily Beast71/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 2, 2026
tl;dr

Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry entered the special Republican primary for South Carolina’s open Senate seat, despite President Donald Trump’s endorsement of newly appointed Sen. Darline Graham Nordone. Graham has not said whether she will run.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
Darline Graham R · SC · SEN
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Graham in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Graham’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

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Darline Graham
R · SC · SEN

Senator whose possible candidacy is the subject of Trump’s endorsement

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Russell Fry
R · SC-7

Representative and candidate for the open South Carolina Senate seat

Fry's version of this story ↗
Ralph Norman
R · SC-5

Representative and candidate for the open South Carolina Senate seat

Norman's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Darline Graham Nordone if she runs for a full term

Trump's version of this story ↗
Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

Late senator whose seat is being filled

Mark Lynch
R · SC

Candidate who challenged Lindsey Graham in the earlier primary

Joe Wilson
R · SC-2

Representative pictured with Russell Fry

ALSO MENTIONED  Alan Wilson, South Carolina attorney general and winner of the earlier Republican gubernatorial runoff; Pam Evette, South Carolina lieutenant governor and candidate in the earlier Republican gubernatorial primary

Part of a bigger story

5 OUTLETS
Norman and Fry Enter South Carolina Senate Special Primary

Ralph Norman and Russell Fry entered South Carolina’s special Republican primary for the Senate seat, while Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham. Graham had not publicly committed to running. Left-leaning outlets cast the entries as a challenge to Trump’s influence. Center outlets report Norman’s entry and rival endorsements, with one article describing the contest as a test of Trump’s influence. Right-leaning outlets stress that candidates entered despite Trump’s endorsement and highlight voter choice and the limits of his backing.

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