Russell Fry endorses ex-rival Darline Graham after failing to advance to special GOP US Senate primary runoff

Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., the candidate who placed third in the Aug. 11 South Carolina special Republican U.S. Senate primary, has endorsed top-finisher Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C.

"President Trump needs fighters and allies in the Senate who will show up every day and get results. I believe Darline Graham will be exactly that," Fry said in part of a Friday post on X.

"Darline knows what it means to struggle, persevere, and keep fighting when life deals you a difficult hand. Those experiences shaped her, and I believe they give her a real understanding of the challenges families across South Carolina face," he continued.

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"On August 25, I’m asking everyone who supported our campaign to join me in supporting Darline Graham for the United States Senate. Campaigns are temporary. The cause is bigger than any one candidate. Now let’s get it done," he noted.

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., who placed second in the South Carolina special GOP U.S. Senate primary, will face Graham in the Aug. 25 runoff.

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Last month, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to serve the remainder of her brother's term.

President Donald Trump, who backed Graham ahead of the special primary contest, is continuing to support her in the runoff.

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"SOUTH CAROLINA: GET OUT AND VOTE FOR DARLINE GRAHAM ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 25TH. DARLINE HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" he wrote in a Friday Truth Social post, which included an image of Fry's post on X endorsing Graham.