Russell Fry Endorses Darline Graham in South Carolina Runoff

U.S. Rep. Russell Fry has endorsed Darline Graham in South Carolina's Republican Senate primary runoff, backing the interim senator to replace her late brother, Lindsey Graham, on the general election ballot. Fry, who finished third in Tuesday's special primary, said Graham is a "fighter" who will advance President Donald Trump's agenda and understand everyday struggles Source: AP News. His endorsement follows support from Sen. Tim Scott and Trump, whose early backing helped propel Fry's own career Source: AP News.

The endorsement

Fry's statement praised Graham's resilience: "Darline knows what it means to struggle, persevere, and keep fighting when life deals you a difficult hand" Source: AP News. He emphasized their shared humble origins as a basis for understanding kitchen-table issues Source: AP News. GOP strategist Matt Gorman called the endorsement a political calculation, noting Fry's long career ahead and the risks of crossing Trump or Scott Source: AP News.

The race

Graham and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman advanced to the Aug. 25 runoff after no candidate won a majority in the special primary, held just a month after Lindsey Graham's death Source: AP News. The compressed campaign saw heated rhetoric between Fry and a PAC supporting Graham, which ran ads noting Trump initially called Fry "outstanding" but later backed Graham Source: AP News. The runoff winner will face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in November Source: AP News.