Russell Fry (politician)

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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. [9] Fry criticized Rice for his vote, and said he was considering running against him in 2022. [10] In August 2021, Fry announced that he would challenge Rice in the 2022 election, emphasizing his opposition to Trump's impeachment. [11] On February 1, 2022, Trump endorsed Fry. [12] In the June 14 Republican primary, Fry defeated Rice by 26.6 percentage points. [13] 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. [14] [15] On January 16, 2023, it was announced that Fry would serve on the House Judiciary Committee. [16]

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. [17] [18]

Somalia

In 2023, Fry was among 52 Republicans that voted in favor H.Con.Res. 30, which would remove American troops from Somalia. [19] [20]

H.R. 6090 Antisemitism Awareness Act

Fry was among the 187 Republicans who voted “Yea” for the final passage of the Antisemitism Awareness Act. [].

In late April, 2024,Fry voted in favor of H.R. 6090: The Antisemitism Awareness Act, noted to “To provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes.”

Despite numerous case law rulings, up to and including SCOTUS rulings on 1st Amendment protections and the definitions thereof, H.R. 6090 specifically defers definition of “antisemitic” speech to special interest groups affiliated with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of “antisemitism”. This special interest organization’s definition of “antisemitism” would be officially codified into Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, if approved by the Senate.

According to National Public Radio: “If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the bill would broaden the legal definition of antisemitism to include the “targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity.” Critics say the move would have a chilling effect on free speech throughout college campuses.” This act will not only impact speech on college campuses, it will stiffle constitutionally protected free speech for all Americans. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/house-passes-bill-to-expand-definition-of-antisemitism-amid-growing-campus-protests-over-gaza-war

Israel

Fry voted to provide Israel with support following 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. [21] [22]

Electoral history

Russell Fry
Rep Russell Fry Official Portrait.jpg
Member of the U.S.HouseofRepresentatives
from South Carolina's 7th district
Assumed office
January 3, 2023
South Carolina House of Representatives District 106
YearCandidateVotesPctCandidateVotesPctCandidateVotesPctCandidateVotesPct
2015 Special Republican PrimaryRussell Fry1,15244.8%Tyler Servant85633.3%Roy Sprinkle37414.5%Sanford Cox Graves1927.5%
2015 Special Republican Primary Runoff [23] Russell Fry1,73859.8%Tyler Servant1,16740.2%
2015 Special General Election [24] Russell Fry17,84199.5%
2016 General Election [25] Russell Fry (i)17,841100.0%
2018 General Election [26] Russell Fry (i)13,19868.4%Robin Gause6,08831.5%Other/Write-in140.1%
United States House of Representatives, South Carolina's 7th congressional district
YearCandidateVotesPctCandidateVotesPctCandidateVotesPctCandidateVotesPct
2022 Republican PrimaryRussell Fry43,50951.1% Tom Rice (i)20,92724.6%Barbara Arthur10,48112.3%Ken Richardson6,0217.1%
2022 General ElectionRussell Fry164,16064.8%Daryl W. Scott88,77935.0%

Personal life

Fry is a Baptist. [27] He is married and has one son.

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References

  1. "South Carolina Primary Results". CNNpolitics. CNN. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  2. "Russell W. Fry - South Carolina Representative - Open States". openstates.org. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  3. "South Carolina Legislature Online - Member Biography". www.scstatehouse.gov. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  4. Helmer, Katrina (September 19, 2015). "Russell Fry begins work as District 106 state house representative". wmbfnews.com. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  5. Fleming, Tyler (December 6, 2018). "Horry County's Russell Fry to take on new leadership role in S.C. House of Reps". myrtlebeachonline.com. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  6. "Rep. Hardwick resigns after investigation into sexual harassment claims". WPDE-TV . May 13, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  7. "State House of Representatives District 106 Republican Primary". South Carolina Election Commission. July 28, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  8. Harper, Scott (September 21, 2015). "Russell Fry officially takes over South Carolina House Seat 106 seat". MyHorryNews.com. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  9. "Rep Tom Rice Votes to Impeach President Trump". rice.house.gov. U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  10. Fleming, Tyler; Lovegrove, Jamie (January 31, 2021). "Rep. Russell Fry explores challenging SC GOP-censured Tom Rice for congressional seat". The Post and Courier . Evening Post Industries . Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  11. Axelrod, Tal (August 5, 2021). "SC state Rep. Russell Fry launches primary bid against Rice over impeachment vote". The Hill . Nexstar Media Group . Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  12. Trump endorses GOP challenger to South Carolina Rep. Tom Rice, The Hill , Max Greenwood, February 1, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  13. Hansen, Victoria (June 14, 2022). "Trump gets a split decision in South Carolina as Rice is beaten, while Mace survives". NPR . Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  14. James, Andrew (November 20, 2022). ""Congressman-elect Fry named president of congressional freshman class"". WPDE-TV. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  15. Staff, News (November 18, 2022). ""Rep. Fry elected as president of congressional freshman class"". WMBF-TV. Retrieved November 20, 2022.{{cite news}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  16. "Congressman Russell Fry to serve on House Judiciary Committee". WMBF-TV. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
  17. "H.Con.Res. 21: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of … -- House Vote #136 -- Mar 8, 2023". March 8, 2023.
  18. "House Votes Down Bill Directing Removal of Troops From Syria". Associated Press. March 8, 2023.
  19. "House rejects Gaetz resolution to remove US troops from Somalia". Roll Call. April 27, 2023.
  20. "H.Con.Res. 30: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of … -- House Vote #201 -- Apr 27, 2023". GovTrack.us.
  21. Demirjian, Karoun (2023-10-25). "House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  22. Washington, U. S. Capitol Room H154; p:225-7000, DC 20515-6601 (2023-10-25). "Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session". Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved 2023-10-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  23. "SC - Election Results - House Dist 106 Runoff". www.enr-scvotes.org. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  24. "SC - Election Results - House Dist 106 General". www.enr-scvotes.org. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  25. "South Carolina 106th District State House Results: Russell Fry Wins". The New York Times. 1 August 2017. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  26. "Election Night Reporting - SC House Dist 106 General". www.enr-scvotes.org. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  27. "Religious affiliation of members of 118th Congress" (PDF). Pew Research Center . Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-03-16.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Carolina's 7th congressional district

2023–present
Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States representatives by seniority
377th
Succeeded by