South Carolina Republican Representative Ralph Norman announced Saturday he will enter the race to succeed the late Senator Lindsey Graham, setting up a primary challenge against the candidate backed by former President Donald Trump.
Trump endorsed Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister, on Friday, urging her to run in the special Republican primary scheduled for August 11. A runoff, if necessary, would be held on August 25, with the nominee facing Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.
“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,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”
Undeterred by the former president’s preference, Norman launched his candidacy on X, writing: “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 emphasized his legislative priority: “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!”
Appearing on Fox News with host Kayleigh McEnany, Norman doubled down on the voting legislation, which Trump has designated a top priority. “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,” he said.
Norman told CNN he had sought Trump’s blessing but respects the decision to back 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.”
Prior to Norman’s official announcement, Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah endorsed his bid.
The scramble for the seat began following Graham’s sudden death on July 11 at age 71. The chief medical examiner preliminarily ruled the cause of death as aortic dissection due to cardiovascular disease. Graham had held the seat since 2003.
At Trump’s direction, Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham, 62, to serve the remainder of the term, which expires January 3. She was sworn in on Tuesday, marking the first time a sibling has replaced a senator who died in office and the first time a woman has represented South Carolina in the Senate.
While Darline Graham has reportedly expressed interest in seeking a full six-year term, she has not yet formally announced a campaign. Candidates can file next week. Other declared Republicans include businessman Mark Lynch, who challenged Graham in the June primary, and attorney Duke Buckner. Representative Nancy Mace is also considered a potential contender.
Norman, 73, is a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus and a lifelong resident of Rock Hill. His background includes a career in commercial real estate development. He was elected to represent South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District in 2017 after serving 11 years in the state House of Representatives. Norman did not support Trump in the 2024 presidential election and ran unsuccessfully for governor earlier this year, as did Mace.
