The race to succeed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham is already turning into one of the Republican Party’s biggest political fights of the year—and President Donald Trump may have just tipped his hand.
During an interview with Newsmax on Monday night, Trump lavished praise on Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.), suggesting the South Carolina congressman is someone Republicans should be watching closely as the party prepares to choose a long-term successor to Graham, who died unexpectedly last week at age 71 after suffering an aortic dissection.
“I think Russell Fry, a young congressman, is outstanding, and that could happen. I could see that happening,” Trump said. “I think he’s a very, very talented person.”
Trump added that Fry has already proven himself after defeating former Rep. Tom Rice in 2022—a victory backed by the president after Rice voted to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
“He took the place of somebody that was—I mean, he’s doing much better than the person that preceded him,” Trump said. “He’s been very popular in the state, so I think a name like Russell Fry is somebody you can watch out for and there are probably some others.”
According to Fox News Digital, Fry has been discussing a possible Senate campaign with White House officials, fueling speculation that he could ultimately receive Trump’s endorsement. A source familiar with Fry’s thinking cautioned that “until the President makes an announcement, any speculation is just speculation.”
The president’s endorsement is expected to be the most coveted prize in what is shaping up to be a crowded Republican primary.
South Carolina Republicans will hold a special GOP primary on Aug. 11 to determine who will replace Graham on the November ballot. Candidate filing opens later this month, and several prominent Republicans are already maneuvering for position.
Among those considering bids are Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman. Norman has reportedly gone directly to Trump seeking his endorsement, while both lawmakers are looking for a political reset after falling short in South Carolina’s recent gubernatorial primary.
Before that contest plays out, however, Graham’s Senate seat has already been filled on an interim basis.
At Trump’s urging, Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, to serve through the remainder of his brother’s term. She was sworn into office Tuesday, becoming South Carolina’s first female U.S. senator. Trump described the appointment as a fitting tribute but indicated he expects her role to be temporary.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina,” Trump wrote earlier this week, calling the move “a fabulous tribute to Lindsey.”
Graham’s death marked the end of more than two decades in the Senate, where he became one of the Republican Party’s most recognizable voices on national security, judicial confirmations and foreign policy. Although he frequently sparred with Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, the two eventually forged one of the GOP’s closest political alliances. Graham became one of Trump’s most reliable allies in the Senate, defending the president through two impeachment trials, championing his judicial nominees and serving as a key adviser on major foreign policy issues.
Now, Republicans are preparing for a high-stakes battle over who will inherit one of the party’s most influential Senate seats.
