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4h ago

Ralph Norman Enters Special GOP Primary for Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat

His entry escalates a fast-moving August 11 primary likely to determine the Republican nominee, testing President Trump’s early endorsement of Graham’s sister.

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
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) speaks to reporters as he leaves a House Republican Conference meeting at the Cannon House Office Building on May 20, 2026 in Washington, DC.
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Overview

  • Rep. Ralph Norman formally announced his candidacy on Saturday, July 18, joining a compressed race to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
  • Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as interim senator and President Trump has publicly urged and endorsed her to run, though she has not filed for the special primary.
  • South Carolina set a short filing window from July 21 to July 28 and scheduled the Republican special primary for August 11, leaving little time for campaigning or fundraising.
  • Norman says he will prioritize President Trump’s SAVE America Act and move to eliminate the Senate filibuster, and he has won endorsements from Sens. Rick Scott and Mike Lee.
  • A preliminary medical examiner report identified a tear in Graham’s artery as the cause of death, and the outcome of the rushed GOP primary is expected to shape November’s likely Republican favorite and influence Senate control and near-term legislation.