Ralph Norman Joins Senate Race to Replace Lindsey Graham
WHO:
CNN - President Trump urged Darline Graham to run in the special primary and pledged his endorsement.
CNN - Other potential candidates mentioned include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Rep. Nancy Mace.
CNN - Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina announced he will run to replace Lindsey Graham in the Senate.
USA Today - Darline Graham has become the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
USA Today - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to fill the seat of her brother, Lindsey Graham.
WHAT:
CNN - Ralph Norman stated, "For years, Senator Lindsey Graham fought hard to save America and defend South Carolina," in a news release announcing his candidacy.
CNN - The special primary election is set to determine the Republican nominee in the general election in November.
CNN - The filing period for the GOP special primary begins on July 21 and ends on July 28.
CNN - Ralph Norman vowed to "nuke the filibuster" as part of his campaign platform.
CNN - Lindsey Graham died from a tear in his artery.
USA Today - Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly from a life-threatening condition caused by a tear in his aorta.
USA Today - Darline Graham was sworn into office by Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, president pro tempore of the Senate.
CNN - The state will hold a special primary election next month to determine the Republican nominee in the general election in November.
CNN - The filing period for the GOP special primary begins on July 21 and ends on July 28.
WHERE:
USA Today - Darline Graham was sworn into the Senate chambers at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
WHEN:
CNN - The special primary election is scheduled for November.
USA Today - Lindsey Graham died on July 11.
USA Today - Darline Graham was sworn in on July 14.
CNN - The special primary election will take place next month, with the filing period for candidates from July 21 to July 28.
WHY:
CNN - Ralph Norman emphasized that President Trump needs "another proven America First conservative in the US Senate to deliver on those America First priorities."
CNN - Ralph Norman stated that President Trump needs another proven America First conservative in the U.S. Senate to deliver on America First priorities.
HOW:
USA Today - Darline Graham was escorted into the Senate chambers by South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and Alabama Sen. Katie Britt.
USA Today - Darline Graham was appointed by the governor to fill the Senate seat and was sworn in shortly thereafter.
(UPDATED July 18, 2026 20:13 UTC)
Ralph Norman has officially announced his candidacy, praising Senator Lindsey Graham for his dedication to saving America and defending South Carolina. A special primary election will be held to choose the Republican nominee for the general election in November, with the filing period for candidates starting on July 21 and closing on July 28. Norman highlighted the importance of having "another proven America First conservative in the US Senate" to support President Trump's priorities.
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(UPDATED July 18, 2026 18:12 UTC)
President Trump has officially urged Darline Graham to run in the upcoming special primary election and has pledged his endorsement. Other potential candidates for the race include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Rep. Nancy Mace, while Ralph Norman has vowed to "nuke the filibuster" as part of his campaign platform. The special primary election is set to take place in November, with Graham recently escorted into the Senate chambers by South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and Alabama Sen. Katie Britt.
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(UPDATED July 18, 2026 16:16 UTC)
In a significant political shift, Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina has announced his candidacy to replace Lindsey Graham in the Senate, following Graham's unexpected death from a tear in his aorta. Darline Graham has made history as the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate after being appointed by Governor Henry McMaster and sworn in by Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley at the U.S. Capitol. The state will hold a special primary election next month, with the filing period for candidates running from July 21 to July 28.