South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman is running for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Lindsey Graham's death in July, pressing forward despite Donald Trump's backing of Graham's sister, Darline, as the preferred Republican candidate.
Norman announced his campaign Saturday on X, declaring his intent to represent the state and emphasizing his commitment to advancing Trump's legislative agenda. He framed the race as a chance to deliver on what he called a core priority: passage of the Save America Act and elimination of the Senate filibuster to unlock that legislation.
On Fox News, Norman told host Kayleigh McEnany he would be laser-focused from day one on Trump's America First platform. "We'll nuke the filibuster," he said, underscoring his willingness to reshape Senate rules to achieve the president's goals.
The timing of Norman's entry adds a wrinkle to an already competitive primary. Trump had publicly endorsed Darline Graham on Friday, the day before Norman's announcement, urging her to run and promising his "Complete and Total Endorsement" in the special GOP primary scheduled for August 11. A runoff would follow on August 25 if no candidate secures the necessary vote share.
When asked by CNN whether Trump's backing of Darline Graham would affect his candidacy, Norman acknowledged seeking the president's support but said the outcome would not deter him. "I wanted his blessing to run and get his support," Norman said. "He decided to go with Darline, who's a nice person, and he decided to go with her. And so I respect that. But it doesn't deter my plans. I'm in this to win."
Darline Graham, 62, was appointed to fill the seat on an interim basis just three days after her brother's death on July 11. She has expressed interest in seeking the full six-year term but has not officially launched a campaign. Governor Henry McMaster made the appointment at Trump's direction, making her the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate and the first sibling to replace a senator who died in office.
The special primary has drawn other candidates as well. Businessman Mark Lynch, who lost a challenge to Lindsey Graham in the June primary, and lawyer Duke Buckner have already filed. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace is also considering a bid. The GOP nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.
Norman, 73, is a longtime member of the House Freedom Caucus who has represented South Carolina's fifth congressional district since 2017. Before that, he spent 11 years in the state house. Earlier this year, he ran unsuccessfully for governor. His background includes a career in commercial real estate development in his native Rock Hill. Notably, Norman did not support Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Two other senators have already lined up behind Norman's campaign. Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah endorsed his Senate bid on Friday, before his official announcement.
Author James Rodriguez: "Norman's 'no hard feelings' tone toward Trump rings hollow when he's directly challenging Trump's pick to win the primary, but his focus on the filibuster and legislative priorities shows he understands what matters in this race."
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