South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry is taking steps toward mounting a campaign to claim the Republican ballot line held by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham this November.
Five Republicans granted anonymity to describe private conversations about the developing special primary election described Fry’s interest in a run and said he has spoken to White House operatives about it. Some of the people believe he is a top contender for President Donald Trump’s critical endorsement.
Fry did not respond to multiple messages seeking comment on a possible Senate run. The snap primary is set to take place Aug. 11, with an Aug. 25 runoff to follow if no candidate wins an outright majority.
While South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill her brother’s seat Monday, she is widely expected to serve only in a caretaker role until a new senator is elected in November.
Fry quickly emerged as a potential successor after news of Graham’s death circulated Sunday. Trump hand-picked Fry to oust Rep. Tom Rice in his 2022 GOP primary after Rice voted to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. Fry has since enjoyed close ties to Trump’s political orbit.
Trump’s endorsement is likely to be highly significant, though possibly not field-clearing. The president initially endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the state’s GOP governor primary but later co-endorsed state Attorney General Alan Wilson after Evette lagged in polls. Wilson won the nomination last month.
“Until the President makes an announcement, any speculation is just speculation,” a White House official said in response to an inquiry Fry’s communications with the Trump orbit.
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