Ralph Norman

ROCK HILL, S.C. — South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman announced his candidacy July 18 for the seat of late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Norman, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, unsuccessfully ran for South Carolina governor earlier this year.

In a news release announcing his run, Norman praised Graham’s years of service in the Senate and cast himself as a successor that will continue to advance the agenda of President Donald Trump.

“Now, President Trump needs another proven America First conservative in the US Senate to deliver on those America First priorities,” he said. “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.”

The statement highlighted Norman’s support for the president and his policies, saying the congressman “has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump, defended the Constitution, protected the unborn" and supported secure borders and opposed reckless spending. Norman also supports the SAVE Act, which Trump lobbied in a primetime speech this week.

“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 in the statement.

Mark Lynch and Duke Buckner have also announced they will run for Senate.

Norman has represented South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District since 2017.