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, should she choose to run. Norman made his announcement on Saturday, writing 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 Campaign Focus
Norman emphasized that his campaign would prioritize passing Trump's restrictive voting bill, the Save America Act, and eliminating the filibuster. Speaking to Fox host Kayleigh McEnany on Saturday, he said: "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."
Trump's Endorsement of Darline Graham
Norman's announcement comes after Trump stated on Friday that he had asked Darline Graham to run in the special GOP primary on 11 August, with a runoff on 25 August if necessary. The GOP nominee 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 to Trump's Decision
Norman told CNN he had sought Trump's support but was not deterred by the endorsement of Darline Graham. "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 his official announcement.
Darline Graham's Appointment and Background
At Trump's direction, Darline Graham, 62, was appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and sworn in on Tuesday to fill her late brother's Senate 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 is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. Lindsey Graham died on 11 July at age 71 from aortic dissection due to cardiovascular disease, according to the chief medical examiner's preliminary ruling. His death triggered a scramble among Republicans for the seat he held since 2003. Darline Graham has expressed interest in running for the full six-year term but has not officially announced.
Other Candidates and Norman's Background
Candidates can formally file next week. Businessman Mark Lynch, who lost to Lindsey Graham in the June primary, and lawyer Duke Buckner have also entered the race. GOP Representative Nancy Mace is considering a bid. Norman, 73, a House Freedom Caucus member, ran unsuccessfully for governor earlier this year. A lifelong Rock Hill resident, he has a career in commercial real estate and was elected to Congress in 2017 after 11 years in the state House. He did not back Trump in the 2024 election.
