South Carolina Senate GOP primary grows as Ralph Norman joins the race
Ralph Norman announces his candidacy for South Carolina Senate seat
South Carolina Representative Ralph Norman officially announced his candidacy for Senator Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat during an interview with Kayleigh McEnany. Norman emphasizes his commitment to President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, including the RELIEVE America Act and eliminating fraud.
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Rep. Ralph Norman, R.S.C., announced Saturday that he will run for the Senate in South Carolina following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham.
“I’m here to announce that I’m running for Senate, I’m going to throw my hat in the ring and on day one, Kayleigh, I’m going to focus on passing President Trump’s America First,” Norman said on “Saturday In America with Kayleigh McEnany.”
Norman later supported Trump’s SAVE America Act and said Republicans should “drain” the procedure, saying he would focus on eliminating the filibuster.
Norman made the announcement just days after President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, who has been appointed to serve out the remainder of his term, to run for full office when his term expires in January.
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Representative Ralph Norman speaks to reporters as he leaves the House Republican Conference meeting at the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, DC on May 20, 2026. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
DARLINE GRAHAM IS CONSIDERING RUNNING FOR A FULL SENATE TERM AS MEMORIAL SERVICES ARE ANNOUNCED FOR HER LATE SISTER LINDSEY GRAHAM, A RELATED REPORT STATES.
Trump also wrote “Run Darline Run” in a post on Truth Social, saying, “I hope Darline does this, because there is no one better to honor her beloved sister Lindsey’s legacy.”
Norman acknowledged Trump’s endorsement on Saturday, telling McEnany he wanted Trump’s blessing.
“He decided to go with Darline, who is a good person, and I respect that, but it doesn’t deter my plans. I’m in this to win,” he said.
Newly appointed U.S. interim Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, right, Sen. Tim Scott, R.S.C., left, speaks during a news conference announcing his appointment to fill the vacancy created by the death of his brother, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, at the statehouse in Columbia, South Carolina, Monday, July 13, 2026 (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Norman will run in the Aug. 11 GOP special primary and has announced he is in the process of filing paperwork.
Although Norman is not endorsed by Trump, he has support from GOP Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Rick Scott, R-Fla., who have both endorsed him. The pair, like Norman, are vocal opponents of the banditry.
Norman will enter a competitive primary as at least two candidates have declared their intention to run alongside other candidates expected to enter the race.
Rep. Ralph Norman, R.S.C., arrives at the swearing-in ceremony of Darline Graham Nordone as U.S. Senator at the U.S. Capitol on July 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Businessman Mark Lynch and attorney Duke Buckner, who ran against Lindsey Graham in last June’s primary election, have announced their candidacy.
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Although Rep. Russell Fry, R.S.C., has not publicly announced his intention to run, state lawmakers are already eyeing his House seat in case he decides to join the fray. reporting From News from America.
Fox News Digital has contacted Reps. Norman, Mace and Fry, as well as Sen. Darline Graham, for further comment.
