President Donald Trump told Newsmax on Monday that Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., would be an "outstanding" choice to fill the South Carolina U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster earlier Monday named Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill Graham's seat on an interim basis after his unexpected death. Graham had easily won South Carolina's Republican primary and was seeking a fifth term in November's midterm elections.

Axios reported Monday that Fry is a favorite of some Trump insiders, who view him as a strong fundraiser and note he currently holds a safe Republican House seat. South Carolina will hold a snap Republican primary Aug. 11, with a runoff Aug. 25 if no candidate receives a majority of the vote.

"I think Russell Fry, a young congressman, is outstanding, and I could see that happening," Trump told "Greg Kelly Reports."

"I think he's a very, very talented person. He's doing much better than the person that preceded him."

Fry, 41, represents South Carolina's 7th Congressional District. He ousted five-term Rep. Tom Rice in the 2022 Republican primary and ran unopposed in the 2024 and 2026 Republican primaries.

Rice had voted to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol.

"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 said. "I believe the sister is there only on an interim basis, however."

Politico reported Monday that five Republicans, granted anonymity to discuss private conversations about the developing special primary election, said Fry has expressed interest in running and has spoken with White House operatives about a potential bid. Some of those Republicans believe he is a leading contender for Trump's endorsement.

Other Republicans mentioned as potential candidates include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Joe Wilson, and Rep. Nancy Mace.

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