Rep. Ralph Norman launches campaign to replace Lindsey Graham in Senate race - NBC News

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., announced Saturday, July 18, 2026, that he will run in the special primary election to replace the late GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham on November's ballot.
His entry comes just one day after President Donald Trump gave his "complete and total endorsement" to Graham's sister, Sen. Darline Graham, urging her via Truth Social to seek a full Senate term.
Norman said he had hoped for Trump's blessing but would not be deterred, telling Fox News' Kayleigh McEnany he respects the president's choice while proceeding with his plans.
Outlining his priorities, Norman pledged to focus on Trump's "America First" agenda, starting with the SAVE America Act, and vowed to support eliminating the filibuster.
Darline Graham was sworn into the Senate earlier in the week after GOP Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to complete the term of Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly the prior weekend.
Other South Carolina Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Rep. Nancy Mace, have been floated as possible candidates but have not entered; businessman Mark Lynch, who lost to Graham in June's primary, said he plans to reactivate his campaign, with candidates required to file by July 21 ahead of the Aug. 11 special primary.