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Rep Russell Fry Joins Senate Race for Graham Seat

Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) announced his candidacy for the Senate seat formerly held by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The special GOP primary will be held on Aug. 11.

Sandra RhodesJul 20, 20262 min read

Lindsey Graham Special election U.S. News U.S. Senate

Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) has thrown his hat in the ring in a quest to win the Senate seat formerly held by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Fry made his announcement Monday.

“Last week, we all lost a legendary leader, and I lost a good friend,” Fry said in a campaign statement. “This week, we are faced with what comes next. I have been overwhelmed by the kind words and encouragement I’ve received asking me to step up.”

Fry commented that South Carolinians are facing high gas and grocery costs and “need a conservative in the U.S. Senate who actually delivers results.

He compared himself to Graham, stating he was “raised in a close, modest family that taught me there is no substitute for hard work and that success comes from giving back.”

“Of the many things Lindsey Graham believed in, standing with President Trump and advancing the Republican agenda were among his defining principles,” Fry said.

“There is no other way to put it: Lindsey Graham was one of a kind. There is no replacing him,” Fry continued. ”But I believe the best way to honor his legacy is to fight alongside the President just as steadfastly as he did.”

Fry accused “socialist Democrats” of recruiting Democrat Annie Andrews.

Andrews was running against Graham before his death. Fry said Andrews “would bring the same woke, far-left agenda to South Carolina that has hurt families all across America.”

“Our state deserves a Senator who will stand with President Trump, not stand in his way,” Fry said.

Attorney Duke Buckner, businessman Mark Lynch, Rep. Ralph Norman(R-S.C.) and now Fry are competing for the Republican nomination.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill the remainder of Graham’s term.

Graham died suddenly at 71 from an aortic dissection July 11.

The special GOP primary will be held on Aug. 11. Filing opens July 21.