Skip to main content
4 min read
◆ Mixed look for TrumpElections / Campaigns

Republicans Defy Trump's Senate MAGA Power Grab

Trump endorsed Graham Nordone for a full term, while other Republicans entered the primary.

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

SOURCE CHECK

TAP FOR WHY
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

23 VOTES
How does this story look for
Donald Trump R · President of the United States
● OPEN

People in this story

SWIPE →
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

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

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 ↗
Darline Graham
R · SC · SEN

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

Graham'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

3 OUTLETS
Ralph Norman and Russell Fry Enter South Carolina Senate Primary

Ralph Norman and Russell Fry entered the South Carolina Republican Senate primary despite President Donald Trump’s endorsement of another candidate. Left-leaning outlets frame the entries as resistance to Trump’s influence. Center outlets focus on Norman’s bid and his pledge to support Trump’s agenda, while noting Trump’s endorsement of another candidate. Right-leaning outlets emphasize that candidates entered despite Trump’s endorsement and present voter choice as a reason for the challenge.

COVERAGE BY OUTLET LEANTHIS OUTLET
ARTICLES
3
OUTLETS
3
AVG CRED
72

Discussion · 0

What's your take?

Loading comments…