Republican Ralph Norman to run for US Senate seat in South Carolina

Republican Representative Ralph Norman has announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina, a position recently left vacant by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. Norman's bid comes despite former President Donald Trump's expressed support for Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham's sister, should she decide to enter the race.

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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!

Norman, who has served in the state house and Congress, stated on X that he is running to be a "fighter" who will "stand with President Trump and carry on Lindsey Graham’s legacy." He emphasized his commitment to passing Trump's "Save America Act" and eliminating the Senate filibuster, framing these as central to his campaign. He told Fox News that he would be "laser-focused on passing President Trump’s ‘America first’ [agenda]" from day one.

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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.

Despite Trump's public request for Darline Graham to run and his subsequent "Complete and Total Endorsement," Norman indicated he would proceed with his campaign. He mentioned seeking Trump's blessing but respects the president's decision to back Graham. "But it doesn’t deter my plans. I’m in this to win," Norman told CNN.

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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.

Florida Senators Rick Scott and Mike Lee had endorsed Norman's candidacy prior to his official announcement. Darline Graham was sworn in on Tuesday to fill her late brother's seat on an interim basis, making her the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate. Lindsey Graham died on July 11 at age 71 from an aortic dissection.

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RUN, DARLINE, RUN!