WASHINGTON, D.C., July 15, 2026 — President Donald Trump has indicated that Republican Congressman Russell Fry could be a strong contender to succeed the late Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat, adding momentum to speculation over the upcoming special election.

Trump praised Fry during an interview, describing the young congressman as a talented political figure and suggesting that he could have a strong future in the Senate.

“Russell Fry, a young congressman, is outstanding, and that could happen. I could see that happening,” Trump said.

The president added that Fry had built a strong reputation in South Carolina and described him as “a very, very talented person.”

Fry, a Republican representative from South Carolina, has emerged as one of the leading potential candidates for the Senate seat following Graham’s death. The race has already attracted interest from several Republican politicians seeking Trump’s endorsement, which could play a major role in determining the party’s nominee.

Trump has previously supported Fry’s political career. In 2022, Fry defeated incumbent Republican Congressman Tom Rice in a primary contest after receiving Trump’s backing. Rice was among the Republicans who voted to impeach Trump following the January 6 Capitol riot.

The president said Fry had performed strongly since entering Congress and suggested that voters in South Carolina had responded positively to his leadership.

“He took the place of somebody that was — I mean, he’s doing much better than the person that preceded him. He’s been very popular in the state,” Trump said.

The special election to determine Graham’s permanent replacement has created a major political contest within South Carolina’s Republican Party. With the state considered a strong Republican base, the party nomination is expected to be highly competitive.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to temporarily fill the Senate seat until voters choose a permanent replacement.

Trump has indicated that the interim appointment would only be temporary and that the special election would determine who serves the remainder of Graham’s term.

Other Republican figures have also been linked to the race, including members of South Carolina’s congressional delegation who are considering campaigns or seeking the president’s support.

Fry’s potential candidacy is viewed by political observers as part of Trump’s broader influence within the Republican Party. The president has frequently used endorsements to shape primary contests and support candidates aligned with his political agenda.

The race is expected to become one of the most closely watched Republican contests of the year, with Trump’s endorsement likely to be a major factor as candidates compete for voter support.

As South Carolina Republicans prepare for the special election, Russell Fry’s growing profile places him among the leading contenders for a Senate seat that has long been associated with Lindsey Graham’s political career.