Ralph Norman

WASHINGTON - Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina announced on Saturday he will run to replace Lindsey Graham in the Senate. “For years, Senator Lindsey Graham fought hard to save America and defend South Carolina. Now, President (Donald) Trump needs another proven America First conservative in the US Senate to deliver on those America First priorities,” Norman said in a news release. In an interview with Fox News on Saturday, Norman said that if elected, he will be “laser focused” on enacting Trump’s legislative agenda, starting with the SAVE America Act — the president’s sweeping bill to overhaul US elections. He also said he aims to help “nuke” the Senate filibuster, a move Trump supports that could allow Republicans to pass legislation without Democratic support should the GOP maintain Senate control after the election.

Graham died last Saturday from a tear in his artery, according to preliminary findings from a medical examiner. His younger sister, Darline, was appointed by South Carolina Gov.

Henry McMaster to serve out the remainder of the late senator’s term, which ends in January. The state will hold a special primary election next month to determine the Republican nominee in the general election in November. President Donald Trump on Friday urged Darline Graham to run in the special primary and pledged his endorsement, though the 62-year-old has not yet announced her plans to do so.

Norman said he had unsuccessfully sought Trump’s support but added that the president’s decision to endorse Graham did not deter him from entering the race. “I wanted (Trump’s) blessing to run and get his support. He decided to go with Darline, who’s a nice person, and he decided to go with her. And so I respect that,” Norman said. “But it doesn’t deter my plans. I’m in this to win.”

Florida Sen. Rick Scott and Utah Sen. Mike Lee endorsed Norman’s bid for the Senate before he made his run official.