Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., endorsed Darline Graham on Friday in South Carolina's Republican Senate runoff after President Donald Trump personally urged him to support her, according to a report citing a person familiar with Fry's thinking.

Graham will face Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., vice chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, in the Aug. 25 runoff for the Senate seat previously held by her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly in July.

“President Trump needs fighters and allies in the Senate who will show up every day and get results,” Fry said in a statement. “I believe Darline Graham will be exactly that.”

Trump has taken an active role in the race following Lindsey Graham's death. The president endorsed Darline Graham before Tuesday's special Republican primary after initially indicating he would support Fry.

Trump reportedly began contacting Republican officials after the primary to build support for Graham. According to the report, Trump called Fry on election night and encouraged him to endorse her, while also telling the congressman that he had a bright political future.

Fry was initially reluctant to endorse Graham following a competitive primary campaign that created tensions between the candidates and their political teams. His campaign had criticized Graham over issues including diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and her support for data center development in South Carolina.

Fry ultimately chose to support Trump's preferred candidate, according to a person familiar with his thinking. He spoke with Trump again Thursday night about the endorsement and encouraged the president to visit Myrtle Beach, Fry's hometown, for a rally supporting Graham before the runoff.

Trump has reportedly opposed Norman's effort to succeed Lindsey Graham. Norman supported former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley during the 2024 presidential campaign and has not been viewed as one of Trump's most dependable allies.

Graham finished first in Tuesday's 10-candidate Republican primary with 33% of the vote, while Norman placed second with 25%, sending the two candidates into the runoff.

The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November, although the heavily Republican state is not widely considered competitive in the general election.