Ralph Norman announces he’ll enter race to succeed Lindsey Graham in Senate

Key Points:

• Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina announced his candidacy to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham, emphasizing his commitment to advancing former President Trump's America First agenda, including the SAVE America Act and potentially ending the Senate filibuster.
• Lindsey Graham passed away last week, and his sister, Darline Graham, was appointed to serve the remainder of his term; she has received Trump's endorsement but has not yet declared if she will run in the special primary.
• Norman sought Trump's endorsement but, despite not receiving it, remains determined to win the Senate seat and has secured endorsements from Senators Rick Scott and Mike Lee.
• Other potential candidates for the Republican nomination include Mark Lynch, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Nancy Mace, and possibly Rep. Russell Fry, with the GOP filing period for the special primary set for July 21-28.
• Norman is a member of the House Freedom Caucus and previously ran unsuccessfully for South Carolina governor; he notably did not endorse Trump for the 2024 presidential race, initially backing Nikki Haley instead.