Rep. Russell Fry endorses Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate runoff

Published Aug 14, 03:48 PM UTC

South Carolina Rep. Russell Fry has endorsed Darline Graham in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. Fry, who finished third in the initial primary, backed Graham after previously criticizing her during the campaign. The endorsement follows pressure from President Donald Trump, who has also endorsed Graham and plans to campaign for her in South Carolina. Graham, appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to fill the remainder of her brother's term, faces Rep. Ralph Norman in the August 25 runoff. Other prominent Republicans, including Sen. Tim Scott and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, have also backed Graham. Fry's shift from critic to supporter highlights the consolidation of party establishment support behind Graham ahead of the decisive runoff.