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◆ Mixed look for FryElections / Campaigns

Republicans Defy Trump's Senate MAGA Power Grab

Fry announced his Senate candidacy and described himself as a conservative MAGA candidate.

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.

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18 VOTES
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Russell Fry R · SC-7
● OPEN

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Russell Fry
R · SC-7

Representative and candidate for the open South Carolina Senate seat

PRIMARY SUBJECT
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 ↗
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

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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