U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman expressed puzzlement over President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham in South Carolina’s Republican Senate runoff, according to comments made in an interview with The Associated Press. The runoff was scheduled for Aug. 25 to select a replacement for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Norman finished in second place during an earlier 10-candidate special primary held on Aug. 11, though neither he nor Graham secured the majority required for outright victory.
Norman argued that his background in Congress and business experience, combined with a consistent voting record supporting Trump’s priorities, positioned him as the stronger candidate for the six-year Senate term. He expressed skepticism about whether South Carolina voters had sufficient time to properly evaluate Graham, described as a political newcomer despite her appointment as interim senator following her brother’s death. Norman also noted that he had already completed a statewide campaign this election cycle, having participated in the June gubernatorial primary.
Graham, who was appointed interim senator after her brother’s unexpected death last month, opted to run in the special primary for a full term. She stated that Trump, a longtime ally of her brother, encouraged her to pursue the position. She emphasized her accomplishments during her interim tenure and her experience managing a state agency in South Carolina, promising continued advocacy for Trump’s legislative agenda in the Senate.
Norman acknowledged that millions of dollars were being spent on advertising opposing his candidacy, much of it funded by a super PAC previously aligned with Lindsey Graham that now supports Darline Graham. The winner of the Aug. 25 runoff will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November. Norman previously backed former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley during the 2024 presidential primary but has since become a Trump supporter.
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