President Donald Trump on Monday suggested Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) could be a contender to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly over the weekend.
“Russell Fry, a young congressman, is outstanding, and that could happen. I could see that happening,” Trump told Newsmax’s Greg Kelly. “I think he’s a very, very talented person. 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 added that Fry is “somebody you can watch out for,” while noting there could be other candidates interested in the seat.
“I believe the sister is there only on an interim basis,” Trump said.
Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) on Monday appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to temporarily fill the Senate seat left vacant by her brother’s death and serve out the remainder of his term.
A Republican special primary next month will determine which GOP candidate advances to the November general election, where they will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews. As of Monday, no Republican candidate had announced a bid.
Graham’s death has reshaped what was expected to be a safe Republican seat in the deeply conservative state, possibly giving Democrats an opening in the 2026 midterm elections. Graham had been considered the clear front-runner for reelection.
Trump also addressed Graham’s health history, comparing his death to that of Graham’s father, who died at 69 after suffering a heart attack.
“It’s difficult, and his father died just about at the same age,” Trump said. “I’m a believer in the racehorse theory — if you have problems, you have problems. And he had some problems that were a little bit deep-seated and not easy to find.”
Trump said Graham had previously dealt with artery issues but suggested his death was caused by a separate heart condition.
“We’ve had great doctors, and they talked about a certain part of his body literally blew up, and that’s a condition I believe his father had also,” Trump said. “His father died very, very young from heart complications, and that’s what Lindsey had.”
Trump said he had recently spoken with Graham after the senator returned from a trip to Ukraine.
“He was a worker. I tell you, he was always someplace, and he loved it though,” Trump said. “He was a good — he was really a great politician, actually.”
DEMOCRATS SEE OPENING AFTER GRAHAM’S DEATH SHAKES UP SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE
Trump also pushed back on conspiracy theories surrounding Graham’s death, saying he believed the senator’s health problems were the cause.
“I’d love to say yes, but I think he had some problems,” Trump said. “And that’s what happened.”