GOP Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina is making a run to fill longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham’s seat following his death.
“For years, Senator Lindsey Graham fought hard to save America and defend South Carolina. Now, President Trump needs another proven America First conservative in the US Senate to deliver on those America First priorities,” Mr. Norman said in a news release. “We need to send a fighter who will stand with President Trump, keep South Carolina RED, hold the majority in the U.S. Senate, and deliver results for our families.”
Mr. Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, was sworn in Tuesday to fill the vacant Senate seat after being appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to serve out the remainder of the late senator’s term.
Mr. Norman’s bid to represent the Palmetto State came one day after President Trump said he asked Ms. Nordone to run for the permanent six-year position in a special primary on Aug. 11 to determine the Republican nominee for the general election in November.
“I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
Mr. Graham, 71, died July 11 from an artery tear, according to preliminary findings from a medical examiner.
Other potential GOP candidates include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Rep. Nancy Mace, both of whom lost in the state’s Republican primary for governor this year.
Former Gov. and Rep. Mark Sanford, who briefly entered the race for his old House seat but withdrew just 30 days after launching his campaign, is also eyeing the Senate, according to a filing to the Federal Election Commission.
The filing period for the GOP special primary begins Tuesday and ends July 28.
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