Ralph Norman launches Senate campaign to replace Lindsey Graham in South Carolina

U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman announced that he will run in the special Republican primary for the South Carolina U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. Graham died of a brief aortic tear on July 11, and Governor Henry McMaster appointed his sister, Darline Graham, as interim senator.

Norman’s campaign promises to advance former President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, beginning with the SAVE America Act and an effort to eliminate the Senate filibuster. He has secured endorsements from Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Sen. Rick Scott of Florida. The filing window for Republican candidates runs from July 21 to July 28, with the primary scheduled for Aug. 11 and a possible runoff on Aug. 25.

Other Republicans who have signaled interest or announced candidacies include businessman Mark Lynch, attorney Duke Buckner, and state officials such as Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Rep. Nancy Mace. Norman, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, will not seek re‑election to the House in 2026.

The race is shaping up as a test of whether South Carolina GOP primary voters will back a Trump‑aligned insurgent or the establishment‑linked candidates endorsed by Trump’s sister‑in‑law.