President Donald Trump teased who he may like to see as a long-term replacement for the late Sen.Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., as a special election to lock in a candidate for the seat fast approaches.Private and public jockeying is already underway to snag Trump’s coveted endorsement in the special election, which is slated for Aug.
11, with two lawmakers already expressing interest in launching a campaign.And as members of the South Carolina GOP congressional delegation and beyond line up for the race, the president hinted that he may already have a favorite: Rep.Russell Fry, R-S.C.GRAHAM ALLY RIPS 'THIRSTY' REPUBLICANS JOCKEYING TO REPLACE LATE SENATORSen.
Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One with President Donald Trump and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the way back to Washington, D.C., on Jan.4, 2026.
(Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)"I think Russell Fry, a young congressman, is outstanding, and that could happen.I could see that happening," Trump told Newsmax on Monday night.
"I think he’s a very, very talented person."Trump previously backed Fry in his first bid for Congress in 2022, where he toppled former Rep.Tom Rice, R-S.C., in the primary.
Rice was one of 10 House Republicans to vote to impeach Trump following the Jan.6, 2021, riots on Capitol Hill.'THE HALLS OF THE SENATE ALREADY FEEL EMPTY': TEARFUL THUNE HONORS LINDSEY GRAHAM AS SISTER TAKES HIS SEAT"He took the place of somebody that was — I mean, he’s doing much better than the person that preceded him," Trump said.
"He's been very popular in the state, so I think a name like Russell Fry is somebody you can watch out for and there are probably some others."Trump’s comments on Fry come after Politico reported that the lawmaker has been communicating with the White House about a run and was viewed as a top contender for the president’s stamp of approval.Fox News Digital did not immediately hear back from the White House or Fry o...