Rep. Ralph Norman has not announced a bid for Lindsey Graham’s seat

Rep. Ralph Norman, RS.C., interrupted Wednesday to announce his candidacy to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Grahamseat.

Norman gave an interview Wednesday on FOX Business’ « Mornings with Maria » and said « he’s interested in the job. »

“The reason I’m interested? senate is an obstacle to the implementation of President Trump’s agenda. They just are. It starts with the SAVE Act, making sure that Americans who are Americans vote in elections,” Norman said.

Several times during the interview, Norman said he favors getting rid of the filibuster, the Senate procedure that effectively requires 60 votes to advance most bills.

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« We have to do everything we can to make sure that we have a safe election, that our borders are secure and move forward on that, » Norman said. « I think it’s going to take blowing the filibuster, which the Democrats will do if they get back in power. »

Norman has not formally announced a campaign in the upcoming special election that will allow voters to choose the Republican nominee to replace Graham.

« There are a lot of hurdles that need to be overcome legally and that will be worked out, » Norman said.

Graham, who served more than 23 years in the Senate, died on saturday at his home in Washington DC just a day after he returned from a trip to Kiev. Preliminary findings from the Office of the District of Columbia Medical Examiner indicate that Graham died aortic dissection.

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His sister, newly minted Senator Darline Graham, RS.C., took the oath of office on Tuesday to serve the rest of his term, which ends on January 3, 2027.

The winner of the November parliamentary election will take the oath of office for the entire six-year term. Norman said Darline Graham would do a « great job » in the meantime.

The candidate has less than a month to run for the Senate seat. Under South Carolina law, the special Republican primary will be held on August 11th, and candidates can register to run starting on July 21st.

If Norman decides to start a campaign, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s run in a special election.

He entered Congress for the first time in 2017 after running for the seat vacated by Mick Mulvaney. President Donald Trump appointed him director of the Office of Management and Budget.

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If Norman decides to run, one of his opponents will be Mark Lynch, a businessman who lost to Graham in the Republican primary in June.

Lynch announced in a post on social media on Monday that he plans to revive his campaign and run in the upcoming special election.

« Yes, it’s official. I am committed to accomplishing what God has been calling us to do since February 2025. To return US Senate South Carolina to the REAL conservative leadership of the Republican Party, » Lynch said in a statement.

Rep. Russell Fry, RS.C., may also be a strong contender for Graham’s seat, and Trump recently suggested he might endorse him.

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« I think Russell Fry, the young congressman, is outstanding, and it could happen. I could see it happening, » Trump told Newsmax on monday evening. « I think he’s a very, very talented person. »

A source familiar with Fry’s plans confirmed to Fox News Digital that the lawmaker had spoken with White House officials about the nomination.

Rep. Nancy Mace, RS.C., who lost last month’s South Carolina gubernatorial primary, is also considering a run. Politico.

Other possible candidates include Mark Sanford, a former South Carolina governor and congressman, and South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.