Trump-backed challenger defeats Rep. Tom Rice in Republican primary, but Rep. Nancy Mace prevails

Rice was one of ten House Republicans that voted to impeach Trump on charges that he fueled the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol.

According to Fox News, Rice conceded as Fry was 25 points ahead in the solid red district, with more than 51 percent of the vote to Rice's 24 percent.

First-term Rep. Nancy Mace, who has been critical of Trump’s role in the Jan. 6 riot but did not vote to impeach him, fended off her own Trump-backed primary challenger Kate Arrington in GOP primary for the state’s First Congressional District.

The Associated Press called the race when Mace was ahead of Arrington 53 to 45 percent.

Trump, who has slammed Mace numerous times, congratulated her in a post on Truth Social saying, "Katie Arrington was a long shot but ran a great race and way over performed."

He added, "Congrats to Nancy Mace, who should easily be able to defeat her Democrat opponent," Trump added.

Trump said regarding Fry’s victory over Rice that it was the "biggest News of the evening so far."

He said in a Truth Social post, "… Russell Fry beat Impeach Master Tom Rice with a Vote of more than 51%, therefore WINNING OUTRIGHT with no need for a run-off. Rice only got 24%. Congratulations to Russell on running a great campaign!"