Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) endorsed interim Sen. Darline Graham Nordone on August 13, becoming the latest former primary rival to throw support behind her ahead of the August 25 Republican Senate runoff in South Carolina. The endorsement follows President Donald Trump’s backing of Graham Nordone, who finished first in the August 11 primary with 33% of the vote.
Graham Nordone’s runoff opponent, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), received 24.5% of the vote, forcing a runoff after no candidate secured a majority. The victor will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November, a race widely considered a safe Republican seat. Graham Nordone was appointed to the Senate by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and will serve in the interim role regardless of the runoff outcome.
Trump’s Influence and Endorsement Strategy
President Trump publicly endorsed Graham Nordone on election night, calling her “great” and stating, “They’re all Trumpers, but I endorse her.” Trump also reached out to former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and Rep. Russell Fry, both primary rivals, to solicit their endorsements. Sanford, who finished fourth in the primary, declined to commit, while Fry ultimately backed Graham Nordone.
Fry framed his endorsement in a social media post, stating Graham Nordone would be a “fighter and ally” for Trump’s agenda. “I believe Darline Graham will be exactly that,” Fry said in a statement. Trump’s team is considering a rally in Myrtle Beach, located in Fry’s district, to bolster Graham Nordone’s campaign ahead of the runoff.
Competing Endorsements and Political Divisions
Graham Nordone has secured backing from major Senate Republicans, including Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Other supporters include Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), and Turning Point Action. Meanwhile, Norman has received endorsements from former Gov. Nikki Haley, who called him a long-time ally, and former Sen. Jim DeMint.
The race has exposed divisions within South Carolina’s Republican Party. Haley, who ran against Trump in the 2024 presidential primary, has pledged to support Norman, while Trump’s endorsement of Graham Nordone has created friction among conservative factions. Some Trump allies have floated a dual endorsement of both Graham Nordone and Norman, though Trump has not confirmed this approach.
Runoff Dynamics and Voter Considerations
The runoff will determine who succeeds the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, whose seat Graham Nordone was appointed to fill. With nine candidates splitting the primary vote, the runoff is seen as a test of party unity ahead of the general election. A Dynata poll circulated via text message tested voter reactions to a potential dual endorsement, though the source of the survey remains unclear.
Norman’s campaign has emphasized his alignment with the House Freedom Caucus, while Graham Nordone’s supporters highlight her Senate experience and institutional backing. The runoff is scheduled for August 25, with early voting beginning August 17.