Congressman Ralph Norman, a Republican from South Carolina, appeared on Fox Business’ “Mornings with Maria” to discuss a potential Senate candidacy, the SAVE Act, reconciliation measures, and the need for Congress to advance the president’s agenda.
On Wednesday, Norman indicated that he might seek the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s seat but did not formally announce his candidacy.
During the interview, he stated that he was “interested in the position.”
“My interest stems from the fact that the Senate is obstructing the implementation of President Trump’s agenda. This begins with the SAVE Act, which ensures that only eligible American citizens can vote in elections,” Norman said.
He repeatedly expressed support for abolishing the filibuster, the Senate rule that generally requires 60 votes to advance legislation.
Potential Successors to Senator Graham
Republican Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina exited the U.S. Capitol after the final votes of the week on Thursday, September 4, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
“We must do whatever it takes to ensure safe elections, secure our borders, and move forward on these issues,” Norman said. “I believe eliminating the filibuster may be necessary, a step that Democrats could take if they regain control of the Senate.”
Norman has not yet officially filed for the upcoming special election that will determine the Republican nominee for Graham’s seat.
“There are numerous legal hurdles to overcome, and those will be addressed in due course,” Norman added.
Graham, who served more than 23 years in the Senate, passed away on Saturday at his residence in Washington, D.C., just one day after returning from a trip to Kyiv. Preliminary findings from the District of Columbia’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner indicate that the cause of death was an aortic dissection.
Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., presided over the confirmation hearing for Hal Duncan, nominated as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, in the Dirksen building on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
First Female Senator from South Carolina Sworn In
His sister, Darline Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, was sworn into the Senate on Tuesday to complete the remainder of his term, which ends on January 3, 2027.
The winner of the November general election will be sworn in on that date for a full six‑year term. Norman said that Darline Graham would perform “an excellent job” in the interim.
With less than a month remaining for candidates to qualify for the Senate race, South Carolina law requires a special Republican primary on August 11, with candidacy filings opening on July 21.
If Norman decides to run, it would not be his first venture into a special election. He first entered Congress in 2017 after winning a race to fill the vacancy left by Mick Mulvaney, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the Office of Management and Budget.
Senator Darline Graham, R-S.C., departed the U.S. Capitol with staff and Capitol Police after being sworn in on July 14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Eric Lee/Getty Images)
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Should Norman pursue a campaign, one of his opponents is expected to be Mark Lynch, a businessman who lost to Graham in the June Republican primary.
In a social‑media post on Monday, Lynch announced his intention to revive his candidacy and run in the upcoming special election.
“It is official. I am committed to completing the mission God has called us to since February 2025, to restore true conservative leadership to South Carolina’s Senate seat for the Republican Party,” Lynch stated.
Republican Representative Russell Fry of South Carolina may also be a strong contender for Graham’s seat, as former President Trump has indicated possible support for him.
Representative Russell Fry of South Carolina arrived for the House Republican Conference caucus meeting at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
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“I consider Russell Fry, a young congressman, to be outstanding, and that scenario could unfold,” Trump said during a Newsmax interview on Monday night. “He is a very talented individual.”
A source familiar with Fry’s plans confirmed to Fox News Digital that the legislator has been discussing a Senate run with White House officials.
Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina, who was unsuccessful in the recent gubernatorial primary, is also evaluating a Senate bid, according to Politico.
Other potential candidates include former Governor and Congressman Mark Sanford and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette.