Graham drew largest vote share but fell short of majority needed for nomination
U.S. Rep. Russell Fry on Friday endorsed Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina’s Republican Senate primary runoff, saying she should replace her late brother on general election ballots. Fry cited Graham’s ability to carry President Donald Trump’s agenda and her understanding of the struggles of everyday people, according to the endorsement announced in a news release.
Fry’s backing comes three days after he finished third in the special primary held Tuesday, which sent Graham and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman to the Aug. 25 runoff. Graham drew the largest share of votes in the primary but fell short of the majority required to clinch the Republican nomination outright.
In announcing his support, Fry said in the news release, “President Trump needs fighters and allies in the Senate who will show up every day and get results.” He added, “I believe Darline Graham will be exactly that.”
Fry’s endorsement follows support Graham had already drawn from other Republicans, including Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Trump, whose early endorsement helped propel his own congressional career.
The seat opened last month with the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, Darline Graham’s brother. After her appointment to serve out the remainder of his current term, she opted to seek election to the seat in her own right. Her decision to enter the race set up Tuesday’s special primary and, with her plurality but not majority, the runoff against Norman.
Norman, who also serves in the U.S. House, finished second in Tuesday’s primary and now faces Graham one-on-one on Aug. 25. The runoff winner will carry the Republican nomination forward to the general election.