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◆ Mixed look for FryElections / Campaigns

Republicans defy Trump, jump into South Carolina Senate race despite his handpicked successor

Fry entered the Senate primary despite Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham and said voters should have a choice.

Republicans defy Trump, jump into South Carolina Senate race despite his handpicked successor
Image · Yahoo News

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Host credibilityYahoo News76/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 2, 2026

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Republished from Fox News, with credit to the original publisher.

Fox News70/100 HIGH

1,147 stories · 69.6–70.1 · updated Oct 6, 2026

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Yahoo Newsvia Fox News
Jul 20, 2026
tl;dr

Several Republicans, including Rep. Russell Fry and Rep. Ralph Norman, entered the South Carolina Republican Senate primary despite President Donald Trump endorsing Darline Graham, who has not yet committed to run. Fry said his campaign was about giving voters a choice, while strategists said Trump’s backing can help a candidate without guaranteeing a win.

Community verdict

18 VOTES
How does this story look for
Russell Fry R · SC-7
● OPEN

People in this story

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Russell Fry
R · SC-7

Representative and candidate entering the South Carolina Republican Senate primary

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Darline Graham
R · SC · SEN

Senator and Trump-endorsed potential Senate candidate

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

President who endorsed Darline Graham for the Senate primary

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

Late senator whose seat is the subject of the special election

Mark Lynch
R · SC

Businessman entering the Senate race

Ralph Norman
R · SC-5

Representative and candidate entering the Senate race

Republican consultant commenting on Trump’s endorsement

ALSO MENTIONED  Alan Wilson, South Carolina attorney general who won the recent gubernatorial runoff; Pamela Evette, Lieutenant governor mentioned as an example of Trump’s endorsement in a recent gubernatorial primary; Ryan Williams, Republican strategist commenting on Trump’s endorsement

Part of a bigger story

9 OUTLETS
Russell Fry Announces South Carolina Senate Campaign

Outlets agree that Rep. Russell Fry announced a campaign for South Carolina’s Senate seat. Center outlets present his bid as an entry into a crowded race, with some noting Donald Trump’s support for another candidate. Right-leaning outlets foreground Fry’s entry despite Trump’s preferred successor and the question of voter choice.

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