Norman throws hat in ring for Graham’s Senate seat

Campaign Norman throws hat in ring for Graham’s Senate seat Comments: by Sophie Brams - 07/18/26 12:52 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Sophie Brams - 07/18/26 12:52 PM ET Comments: Link copied

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Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) announced on Saturday that he will run for a Senate seat representing the Palmetto State following the sudden passing of longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham (R).

“For years, Senator Lindsey Graham fought hard to save America and defend South Carolina,” Norman said in a campaign announcement. “Now, President Trump needs another proven America First conservative in the US Senate to deliver on those America First priorities.”

He noted his support for the SAVE America Act, a nationwide proof-of-citizenship voting law that Trump has touted as his No. 1 legislative priority.

“I’ve voted for the Save America Act in the House and I will push to end the filibuster so we can finally pass the bill in the Senate and send it to President Trump’s desk for his signature,” Norman said.

Graham died Saturday evening at the age of 71 after experiencing a “brief and sudden illness” that was later determined in a preliminary medical examiner report to be a tear in his main artery.

Memorial services for the late senator are scheduled for the end of this month in Washington, D.C., his hometown of Pickens, S.C. and the state capital in Columbia, according to this office.

Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, was tapped by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) to fill the remainder of the term. She was sworn in on Tuesday, marking the first time a sibling has replaced a senator who died in office.

The senator’s death set in motion a special GOP primary on Aug. 11 to determine who will take Graham’s place in the November general election against Democrat Annie Andrews, a Lowcountry pediatrician.

Filing does not open until July 21, but Norman is joining an already crowded field that is expected to grow in the coming days. Businessman Mark Lynch, who unsuccessfully challenged Graham for the nomination in June, and Duke Buckner have announced campaigns so far.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) is also eyeing a potential bid, while President Trump is encouraging Nordone to run for a full term ending in 2033.

“We have known each other for a long time — She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina.”

Both Norman and Mace fell short in their bids for the Republican nomination for South Carolina governor earlier this summer, finishing in third and fifth places, respectively.

An Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media poll released Thursday found that there is no clear favorite in the Republican race for Graham’s seat; however, Norman led the pack of potential candidates with 16.4 percent support.