Norman cites congressional experience and Trump-aligned record in challenging backing
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman told The Associated Press that it is a “head scratcher” that President Donald Trump endorsed Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina’s Republican Senate runoff, arguing that his own experience in Congress and in business, and his record of voting for the president’s priorities, make him the stronger candidate to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The interview took place in Anderson, S.C., ahead of the Aug. 25 contest.
The runoff will fill the seat left open when Sen. Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly last month. In a state that routinely elects only Republicans for statewide office, GOP primaries are often the most contentious competitions, and Tuesday’s winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
Norman and Graham advanced from a 10-candidate special primary on Aug. 11. Graham drew the largest share of votes but fell short of the majority required to clinch the Republican nomination outright, with Norman finishing second. The Associated Press said its request for a similar interview with Graham ahead of the runoff had not been granted.
South Carolina Republicans have largely consolidated behind Graham since the special primary. U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, who finished third in the Aug. 11 contest, endorsed Graham days after the vote, citing her ability to carry Trump’s agenda. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina has also backed her candidacy.
As MSI reported on August 8, Trump endorsed Graham before the special primary. Norman’s public questioning of that endorsement comes in the final week of the runoff campaign.