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13h ago

Ralph Norman Enters South Carolina Senate Race as Trump Backs Graham’s Sister

The fast August primary will test President Trump's endorsement power and shape who Republicans nominate for a seat key to the Senate majority.

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U.S. Representative Ralph Norman (R-SC) attends a House Rules Committee meeting after the Senate passes U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 1, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/ File Photo
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 14: U.S. Sen. Darline Graham Nordone (R-SC) participates in a ceremonial swearing-in in the Old Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on July 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. Nordone was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster following the death of her brother, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. (Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Rep. Ralph Norman announced on Saturday, July 18 that he will run in the special Republican primary on August 11 and made passing the SAVE America Act and ending the filibuster central to his campaign.
  • Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone as interim senator and President Trump publicly urged and endorsed her to run, but Nordone has not filed for the special primary.
  • State law sets a short filing window from July 21 to July 28 for candidates to enter the August 11 primary and a potential August 25 runoff, compressing campaign time and fundraising choices.
  • Norman has picked up endorsements from Sens. Mike Lee and Rick Scott while an Emerson College poll shows him with a small early lead over other potential GOP nominees such as Mark Lynch.
  • Whoever wins the Republican primary will likely be the favorite in November against Democrat Annie Andrews, a result that could affect the GOP’s narrow Senate majority and the party’s ability to pass Trump-backed legislation.