The special election to fill the seat of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham is approaching, with several candidates already expressing interest in running. The election, set for August 11, has sparked private and public jockeying for endorsements, with some lawmakers seeking to secure the coveted backing of former President Donald Trump. Trump has hinted that he may have a preferred candidate, suggesting that Rep. Russell Fry, a young congressman from South Carolina, could be a strong contender. Fry has previously received Trump's endorsement in his 2022 bid for Congress.
Trump's comments on Fry come after the lawmaker has been in communication with the White House about a potential run. Fry is seen as a top contender for Trump's endorsement, and his popularity in the state could make him a strong candidate. Trump has praised Fry, saying he is "outstanding" and a "very, very talented person." Fry's potential candidacy has also been bolstered by his previous victory in the primary, where he defeated former Rep. Tom Rice, one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump.
Other lawmakers, including Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, are also eyeing the race. Norman has explicitly asked Trump for his endorsement, while Mace is also considering a run. Both Mace and Norman have previously sought the GOP nomination for governor in South Carolina but were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Trump has thrown his support behind Sen.-designate Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to take over the lawmaker's seat for the remainder of his term.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham to the role, and she is set to be sworn in on Tuesday afternoon. Trump has stated that he believes Graham will only hold the seat on an interim basis, paving the way for a special election to determine a long-term replacement. As the election approaches, the field of candidates is expected to become clearer, with Trump's endorsement potentially playing a significant role in shaping the outcome.
