Fox News Digital<\/a>, 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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe president’s endorsement is expected to be the most coveted prize in what is shaping up to be a crowded Republican primary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before that contest plays out, however, Graham’s Senate seat has already been filled on an interim basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, Republicans are preparing for a high-stakes battle over who will inherit one of the party’s most influential Senate seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n