South Carolina GOP Rep. Ralph Norman Enters Senate Race to Succeed Lindsey Graham

South Carolina Republican Representative Ralph Norman announced he will run in the special primary to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. Norman, 73, made the announcement on Saturday. He said on X that voters need a fighter who will stand with President Trump and carry on Graham's legacy.

Norman told Fox host Kayleigh McEnany he will focus on passing President Trump's America First agenda from day one. He also said he supports eliminating the filibuster. He added that he wants to get the SAVE America Act passed in the Senate.

President Trump said Friday that he had asked Darline Graham Nordone to run and gave her his complete and total endorsement on Truth Social. Norman told CNN he had sought Trump's support but respects the decision to back Nordone and that the endorsement does not change his plans.

Graham died on the evening of July 11 at age 71.

The chief medical examiner ruled the cause was aortic dissection due to cardiovascular disease. She was sworn in on Tuesday. The special primary is set for August 11, with a runoff on August 25 if needed. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

Businessman Mark Lynch and lawyer Duke Buckner have also declared for the Republican primary. The filing period opens July 21 and closes July 28. Norman previously served 11 years in the South Carolina House and has represented the state's fifth congressional district since 2017.