Republicans defy Trump, jump into South Carolina Senate race despite his handpicked successor

A handful of hopefuls vying to win the Republican nomination in August to take the reins from Graham have already announced their intent to jump into the race, despite Trump throwing his endorsement power behind Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., Graham's sister who many believed to be a placeholder for the remainder of his term.

Trump on Friday, after meeting with Graham in the Oval Office, announced his "complete and total endorsement" for her to get into the race.

Fry, in particular, was just last week lauded by Trump as someone to watch. He also had spent time speaking with White House operatives about launching a bid, and a Trump endorsement seemed all but guaranteed.

A source in Fry's political orbit told Fox News Digital that the lawmaker has "accomplished more than all the potential candidates combined," having passed three bills in his first four years in Congress.

"This is really about giving voters a choice and not a coronation," they said.

"There is no other way to put it: Lindsey Graham was one of a kind," Fry said. "There is no replacing him, but I believe the best way to honor his legacy is to fight alongside the president just as steadfastly as he did."

During this cycle, at least, the Trump endorsement has not proven a sure bet.

South Carolina-based Republican consultant Dave Wilson told Fox News Digital, "South Carolina voters want to have a choice and not be told who they need to be voting for."

"The president's quick endorsement of Darline Graham was very symbolic," Wilson said, but added, "We're seeing in South Carolina that his endorsement didn't carry as much weight as people thought it was going to."

Veteran Republican strategist and communicator Ryan Williams told Fox News Digital that a Trump endorsement is "a major boost for any candidacy, but it doesn't necessarily give you a lock on the seat."

"If you're an aspiring House member in South Carolina, this is your time to run regardless of whom the president is supporting," Williams said.

"There's no downside for running," he continued. "They're all going to run as Trump Republicans, and they're all going to flatter the president on the campaign trail."