Republican Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the late Lindsey Graham, despite former President Donald Trump endorsing Graham's sister, Darline Graham, should she choose to run. Norman made the announcement on Saturday, posting on X: "I'm running to represent the people of South Carolina in the US Senate because we need a fighter who will stand with President Trump and carry on Lindsey Graham's legacy!" He added, "I've spent years fighting for the Palmetto State in the state house, in Congress, and now I want to get the SAVE America Act passed in the Senate!"
Norman's Platform and Trump's Endorsement
Norman emphasized his commitment to passing the SAVE America Act, a restrictive voting bill that Trump has deemed his legislative priority, and eliminating the filibuster. In an interview with Fox host Kayleigh McEnany on Saturday, Norman stated, "I'll be throwing my hat into the ring … Day one, Kayleigh, I will be laser-focused on passing President Trump's 'America first' [agenda]. And it starts with the Save America Act. We'll nuke the filibuster. And I will be … a vocal vote and a supporter to make this happen."
However, Norman's announcement comes after Trump declared on Friday that he had asked Darline Graham to run in the special GOP primary scheduled for August 11, with a potential runoff on August 25. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November midterms. Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the Special Election for U.S. Senate in South Carolina – SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. RUN, DARLINE, RUN!"
Norman's Response and Other Candidates
Norman told CNN that he had unsuccessfully sought Trump's support but remained undeterred. "I wanted [Trump's] blessing to run and get his support. He decided to go with Darline, who's a nice person, and he decided to go with her. And so I respect that," Norman said. "But it doesn't deter my plans. I'm in this to win." Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah endorsed Norman's bid on Friday, before he made his run official.
Darline Graham, 62, was appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster at Trump's direction and sworn in on Tuesday to fill her late brother's seat on an interim basis, just three days after his death. This marked the first time a sibling has replaced a senator who died in office, and she became the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. Lindsey Graham died on July 11 at age 71 from an aortic dissection due to cardiovascular disease, according to the chief medical examiner.
Other candidates in the race include businessman Mark Lynch, who unsuccessfully challenged Lindsey Graham in June, and lawyer Duke Buckner. Representative Nancy Mace is also considering a bid. Norman, 73, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, previously ran for governor of South Carolina earlier this year. He has served as a U.S. Representative for the fifth congressional district since 2017, after 11 years in the state house. Notably, Norman did not back Trump in the 2024 election.
