U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., announced Monday that he will seek the Republican nomination for South Carolina’s vacant U.S. Senate seat following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Fry, who represents South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District, said he is entering the special election to continue advancing conservative priorities and support President Donald Trump’s America First agenda. He also cited rising costs for everyday necessities and pledged to advocate for South Carolina families in the U.S. Senate.
In announcing his campaign, Fry paid tribute to Graham’s decades of public service, describing the late senator as a strong conservative leader and close ally of President Trump. Fry said he hopes to build on Graham’s legacy while continuing to promote Republican policies in Washington.
The special election was triggered after Graham’s unexpected death earlier this month. Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham, the senator’s sister, to serve in the Senate until Jan. 3, 2027.
Candidate filing for the Republican special primary opens Tuesday, July 21. The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 11, with a runoff, if necessary, on Aug. 25. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election to determine who will complete the remainder of Graham’s Senate term.
Fry becomes the latest Republican to enter what is expected to be a closely watched special primary as candidates compete for the opportunity to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
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