UPDATED: October 15, 2026
Republican Congressman Russell Fry was absent from a U.S. Congressional Candidate Forum held Tuesday evening, October 13, at Waccamaw High School in Pawleys Island. His Democratic challenger, John Gregory Vincent, attended and answered questions from voters in South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District.
The nonpartisan forum, sponsored by the Georgetown Branch of the NAACP, was organized to give residents an opportunity to hear directly from both candidates about issues affecting their communities.
According to Vincent’s campaign and forum attendees, NAACP organizers had repeatedly attempted to contact Fry’s office since September 12, including through certified mail, telephone calls, and emails. Organizers reportedly received a response from Fry’s office approximately six hours before the event, stating that the congressman could not attend because of a “scheduling conflict.”
Vincent, a retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief with 20 years of military service, appeared as scheduled and participated in the forum, answering questions and discussing issues affecting South Carolina residents.
Fry Cites Scheduling Conflict After Repeated Invitations
According to NAACP organizers, invitations were extended to both congressional candidates beginning September 12, 2026. Organizers made multiple attempts to reach Fry’s office through certified mail, telephone calls, and emails.
Fry’s office reportedly notified organizers at approximately 12:59 p.m. on October 13, just six hours before the scheduled forum, that the congressman would not attend because of a scheduling conflict.
Vincent, a retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief with 20 years of military service, appeared as scheduled and spent more than an hour responding to questions from organizers and audience members.
Vincent Challenges Fry to Debate Anywhere, Anytime
In an October 14 press release, Vincent directly challenged Fry to participate in a public debate, offering to let the congressman choose the date, location, and moderator.
Vincent said attendees deserved the opportunity to hear directly from both candidates and compare their positions on issues affecting South Carolina families.
The campaign also pointed to Fry’s own statements from July, when he called for a televised debate during his U.S. Senate primary campaign and argued that voters deserved to hear directly from candidates rather than relying exclusively on advertisements and press releases.
Vincent questioned whether Fry would apply that same principle to his congressional reelection campaign.
Voters Raise Concerns About Representation
Myrtle Beach resident Edward Carey, who attended the NAACP forum, expressed disappointment that Fry did not appear. According to Vincent’s campaign, Carey questioned the congressman’s accessibility and claimed Fry had not held an in-person town hall in four years.
Vincent also called on Fry to explain his positions and proposals addressing rising living costs, gas prices, healthcare expenses, the war in Iran, and government corruption.
The campaign emphasized that residents struggling with the costs of housing, groceries, and prescription medications should have opportunities to question both candidates directly about their plans.
Questions Remain Ahead of November Election
Vincent’s campaign states that he has accepted every debate and candidate forum invitation extended to him during the race.
Fry’s absence from the Georgetown NAACP forum meant voters could not hear the two congressional candidates answer questions before the same audience.
As of the campaign’s October 14 statement, Vincent’s public invitation to debate remained open. No new debate arrangements were announced in the statement.
South Carolina’s early voting begins October 19, with Election Day scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Click here to watch the recorded LIVESTREAM: The SC7 Congressional Candidate Forum
Sponsored by the Georgetown Chapter of the NAACP.
