Russell Fry
{{short description|American politician (born 1985)}}
{{for|the footballer|Russell Fry (footballer)}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Russell Fry
| image = Rep Russell Fry Official Portrait.jpg
| caption = Official portrait, 2023
| state = South Carolina
| district = {{ushr|SC|7|7th}}
| term_start = January 3, 2023
| term_end =
| predecessor = Tom Rice
| successor =
| state_house1 = South Carolina
| district1 = 106th
| term_start1 = September 19, 2015
| term_end1 = November 14, 2022
| predecessor1 = Nelson Hardwick
| successor1 = Thomas Val Guest
| birth_name = Russell William Fry
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|1|31}}
| birth_place = Surfside Beach, South Carolina, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party = Republican
| spouse = Bronwen Fry
| children = 1
| education = University of South Carolina (BA)
Charleston School of Law (JD)
| website = {{URL|fry.house.gov|House website}}
}}
Russell William Fry (born January 31, 1985) is an American politician and lawyer serving as the U.S. representative for South Carolina's 7th congressional district since 2023.{{cite web |title=South Carolina Primary Results |url=https://www.cnn.com/election/2022/results/south-carolina/primaries |website=CNNpolitics |publisher=CNN |access-date=15 June 2022}}
A member of the Republican Party,{{cite web |title=Russell W. Fry - South Carolina Representative - Open States |url=https://openstates.org/person/russell-w-fry-16DXRcLKZO4ckR0yqsrs0b/ |access-date=June 3, 2020 |website=openstates.org}} Fry represented the 106th District in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023.{{cite web |title=South Carolina Legislature Online - Member Biography |url=https://www.scstatehouse.gov/member.php?code=0623863562 |access-date=June 3, 2020 |website=www.scstatehouse.gov}}{{cite web |last1=Helmer |first1=Katrina |date=September 19, 2015 |title=Russell Fry begins work as District 106 state house representative |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/story/30069322/russell-fry-begins-work-as-district-106-state-house-representative/ |access-date=June 3, 2020 |website=wmbfnews.com}} In 2018, he was appointed to the position of Majority Chief Whip for the 122nd South Carolina General Assembly.{{cite web |last1=Fleming |first1=Tyler |title=Horry County's Russell Fry to take on new leadership role in S.C. House of Reps |url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/politics-government/article222723340.html |website=myrtlebeachonline.com |access-date=June 3, 2020 |date=December 6, 2018}}
Career
=South Carolina House of Representatives=
In May 2015, State Representative Nelson Hardwick announced his resignation after House leadership investigated sexual harassment allegations against him.{{cite news |title=Rep. Hardwick resigns after investigation into sexual harassment claims |url=https://wpde.com/news/local-politics/rep-hardwick-resigns-after-investigation-into-sexual-harassment-claims |access-date=June 26, 2022 |work=WPDE-TV |date=May 13, 2015}} Fry ran in the special election for Hardwick's seat. He won a plurality of the vote in the Republican primary in July and advanced to a runoff against Tyler Servant.{{cite news |title=State House of Representatives District 106 Republican Primary |url=https://www.scvotes.gov/node/280 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |work=South Carolina Election Commission |date=July 28, 2015}} Fry won the runoff, and was unopposed in the general election.{{cite news |last1=Harper |first1=Scott |title=Russell Fry officially takes over South Carolina House Seat 106 seat |url=https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/local/horry_county/russell-fry-officially-takes-over-south-carolina-house-seat-106-seat/article_926a0ea4-6090-11e5-b1f1-4b4b4c7771fe.html |access-date=June 26, 2022 |work=MyHorryNews.com |date=September 21, 2015}}
U.S. House of Representatives
=Elections=
==2022==
{{Main|2022 United States House of Representatives elections in South Carolina#District 7}}
In the aftermath of the 2021 United States Capitol attack, Tom Rice, who was serving as the U.S. representative for South Carolina's 7th congressional district, unexpectedly voted in favor of impeaching President Donald Trump.{{cite web |title=Rep Tom Rice Votes to Impeach President Trump |url=https://rice.house.gov/2021/1/rep-tom-rice-votes-to-impeach-president-trump |website=rice.house.gov |publisher=U.S. House of Representatives |access-date=June 14, 2022}} Fry criticized Rice for his vote, and said he was considering running against him in 2022.{{cite news |last1=Fleming |first1=Tyler |last2=Lovegrove |first2=Jamie |title=Rep. Russell Fry explores challenging SC GOP-censured Tom Rice for congressional seat |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/myrtle-beach/politics/rep-russell-fry-explores-challenging-sc-gop-censured-tom-rice-for-congressional-seat/article_863c46ce-630f-11eb-ad62-1395483202ca.html |access-date=June 14, 2022 |work=The Post and Courier |publisher=Evening Post Industries |date=January 31, 2021}} In August 2021, Fry announced that he would challenge Rice in the 2022 election, emphasizing his opposition to Trump's impeachment.{{cite news |last1=Axelrod |first1=Tal |title=SC state Rep. Russell Fry launches primary bid against Rice over impeachment vote |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/566598-south-carolina-state-rep-russell-fry-launches-primary-bid-against-rice-over/ |access-date=June 14, 2022 |work=The Hill |publisher=Nexstar Media Group |date=August 5, 2021}} On February 1, 2022, Trump endorsed Fry.[https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/592287-trump-endorses-gop-challenger-to-south-carolina-rep-tom-rice/ Trump endorses GOP challenger to South Carolina Rep. Tom Rice], The Hill, Max Greenwood, February 1, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2022. In the June 14 Republican primary, Fry defeated Rice by 26.6 percentage points.{{cite news |last1=Hansen |first1=Victoria |title=Trump gets a split decision in South Carolina as Rice is beaten, while Mace survives |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/06/14/1105009105/south-carolina-rice-fry-mace-arrington-trump-endorsements |access-date=June 15, 2022 |work=NPR |date=June 14, 2022}} On November 8, Fry was elected to Congress with 64.9% of the vote, defeating Democratic nominee Daryl Scott.
=Tenure=
Fry was elected to serve as the president of the congressional freshman class during orientation week.{{Cite news |last=James |first=Andrew |date=November 20, 2022 |title="Congressman-elect Fry named president of congressional freshman class" |work=WPDE-TV |url=https://wpde.com/news/local/congressman-elect-russell-fry-named-president-of-congressional-freshman-class |access-date=November 20, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Staff |first=News |date=November 18, 2022 |title="Rep. Fry elected as president of congressional freshman class" |work=WMBF-TV |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2022/11/18/rep-fry-elected-president-congressional-freshman-class/ |access-date=November 20, 2022}} On January 16, 2023, it was announced that Fry would serve on the House Judiciary Committee.{{cite web |title=Congressman Russell Fry to serve on House Judiciary Committee |date=17 January 2023 |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2023/01/17/congressman-russell-fry-serve-house-judiciary-committee/ |publisher=WMBF-TV |access-date=17 January 2023}}
=Caucus memberships=
Political positions
=Syria=
In 2023, Fry was among 47 Republicans to vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, which directed President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.{{cite web |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2023/h136 | title=H.Con.Res. 21: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of … -- House Vote #136 -- Mar 8, 2023 | date=March 8, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-03-08/house-votes-down-bill-directing-removal-of-troops-from-syria |title=House Votes Down Bill Directing Removal of Troops From Syria |date=March 8, 2023 |agency=Associated Press}}
=Somalia=
In 2023, Fry was among 52 Republicans who voted in favor H.Con.Res. 30, which would remove American troops from Somalia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollcall.com/2023/04/27/house-rejects-gaetz-resolution-to-remove-us-troops-from-somalia/|title=House rejects Gaetz resolution to remove US troops from Somalia|date=April 27, 2023|website=Roll Call}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2023/h201|title=H.Con.Res. 30: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of … -- House Vote #201 -- Apr 27, 2023|website=GovTrack.us}}
=Antisemitism=
Fry was among the 187 Republicans who voted in favor of H.R. 6090: The Antisemitism Awareness Act.{{Cite web |title=H.R. 6090: Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 -- House Vote #172 -- May 1, 2024 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h172 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=GovTrack.us |language=en}} The act would require the use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism "when reviewing or investigating complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance."{{Cite web |title=H.R.6090 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6090 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Congress.gov}} The American Civil Liberties Union, along with other organizations, warned against the adoption of this definition as it could limit free speech surrounding criticism of Israel on college campuses.{{Cite web |title=ACLU Statement on Senate Introduction of ‘Anti-Semitism Awareness Act’ |url=https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-statement-senate-introduction-anti-semitism-awareness-act |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=American Civil Liberties Union |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Alonso |first=Johanna |title=ACLU Warns Against Adopting Antisemitism Definition |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/02/08/aclu-urges-education-dept-reject-antisemitism-definition |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Inside Higher Ed |language=en}}
=Israel=
Fry voted to provide Israel with support following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.{{Cite news |last=Demirjian |first=Karoun |date=2023-10-25 |title=House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/us/politics/house-israel-vote.html |access-date=2023-10-30 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Washington |first=U. S. Capitol Room H154 |last2=p:225-7000 |first2=DC 20515-6601 |date=2023-10-25 |title=Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2023528 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |language=en}}
Electoral history
| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ South Carolina House of Representatives District 106 !|Year ! !|Candidate !|Votes !|Pct ! !|Candidate !|Votes !|Pct ! !|Candidate !|Votes !|Pct ! !|Candidate !|Votes !|Pct ! |
| 2015 Special Republican Primary
| |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Russell Fry}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 1,152 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 44.8% | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Tyler Servant}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 856 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 33.3% | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Roy Sprinkle}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 374 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 14.5% | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Sanford Cox Graves}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 192 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 7.5% | |
| 2015 Special Republican Primary Runoff{{cite web |title=SC - Election Results - House Dist 106 Runoff |url=http://www.scvotes.org/2015/07/28/state_house_of_representatives_district_106_republican_primary |website=www.enr-scvotes.org |access-date=June 3, 2020}}
| |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Russell Fry}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 1,738 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 59.8% | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Tyler Servant}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 1,167 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 40.2% | |
| 2015 Special General Election{{cite web |title=SC - Election Results - House Dist 106 General |url=http://www.enr-scvotes.org/SC/64658/183653/en/summary.html |website=www.enr-scvotes.org |access-date=June 3, 2020}}
| |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Russell Fry}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 17,841 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 99.5% | |
| 2016 General Election{{cite web |title=South Carolina 106th District State House Results: Russell Fry Wins |url=https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2016/results/south-carolina-state-house-district-106 |website=The New York Times |access-date=June 3, 2020 |date=1 August 2017}}
| |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Russell Fry (i)}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 17,841 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 100.0% | |
| 2018 General Election{{cite web |title=Election Night Reporting - SC House Dist 106 General |url=https://www.enr-scvotes.org/SC/92124/Web02-state.222648/#/ |website=www.enr-scvotes.org |access-date=June 3, 2020}}
| |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Russell Fry (i)}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 13,198 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 68.4% | |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{nowrap|Robin Gause}} |{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" | 6,088 |{{Party shading/Democratic}} | 31.5% | |{{Party shading/None}} |{{nowrap|Other/Write-in}} |{{Party shading/None}} align="right" | 14 |{{Party shading/None}} | 0.1% | |
| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ United States House of Representatives, South Carolina's 7th congressional district !|Year ! !|Candidate !|Votes !|Pct ! !|Candidate !|Votes !|Pct ! !|Candidate !|Votes !|Pct ! !|Candidate !|Votes !|Pct ! |
| 2022 Republican Primary
| |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Russell Fry}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 43,509 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 51.1% | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Tom Rice (i)}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 20,927 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 24.6% | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Barbara Arthur}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 10,481 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 12.3% | |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Ken Richardson}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 6,021 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 7.1% | |
| 2022 General Election
| |{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Russell Fry}} |{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" | 164,160 |{{Party shading/Republican}} | 64.8% | |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{nowrap|Daryl W. Scott}} |{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" | 88,779 |{{Party shading/Democratic}} | 35.0% | |
| 2024 General Election{{cite web |title=2024 STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION November 5, 2024 |url=https://www.enr-scvotes.org/SC/122436/web.345435/#/summary |access-date=February 3, 2025 |publisher=South Carolina Election Commission}}
| |{{Party shading/Republican}} |Russell Fry |{{Party shading/Republican}} |240,326 |{{Party shading/Republican}} |64.9% | |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Mal Hyman |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |129,522 |{{Party shading/Democratic}} |35% | |{{Party shading/None}} |Write-in |{{Party shading/None}} |481 |{{Party shading/None}} |0.1% | |
Personal life
Fry is a Baptist.{{cite web |title=Religious affiliation of members of 118th Congress |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/12/PF_2023.01.03_congress_LIST.pdf |website=Pew Research Center |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316090407/https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/12/PF_2023.01.03_congress_LIST.pdf |archive-date=2023-03-16 |url-status=live}} He is married and has one son.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://fry.house.gov/ Congressman Russell Fry] official U.S. House website
- [https://russellfrysc.com/ Russell Fry for Congress] campaign website{{CongLinks | congbio=F000478 | votesmart=157265 | fec=H2SC07280 | congress=russell-fry/F000478}}
- {{C-SPAN|135414}}
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{{s-par|us-hs}}
{{s-bef|before=Tom Rice}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Carolina's 7th congressional district|years=2023–present}}
{{s-inc}}
|-
{{s-prec|usa}}
{{s-bef|before=Maxwell Frost}}
{{s-ttl|title=United States representatives by seniority|years=318th}}
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{{SC-FedRep}}
{{Members of the U.S. House of Representatives}}
{{USCongRep-start |congresses=118th–present United States Congress |state=South Carolina}}
{{USCongRep/SC/118}}
{{USCongRep/SC/119}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Fry, Russell}}
Category:21st-century South Carolina politicians
Category:Baptists from South Carolina
Category:People from Horry County, South Carolina
Category:Republican Party members of the South Carolina House of Representatives
Category:Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from South Carolina
Category:University of South Carolina alumni
Category:21st-century members of the United States House of Representatives
Category:21st-century members of the South Carolina General Assembly