Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) leapt into the race for Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat Saturday — a day after President Donald Trump gave his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to the deceased lawmaker’s sister Darline Graham Nordone. 

Norman appeared to ignore president’s endorsement of Nordone, touting his own “America First” credentials.

“For years, Senator Lindsey Graham fought hard to save America and defend South Carolina. Now, President Trump needs another proven America First conservative in the U.S. Senate to deliver on those America First priorities,” Norman said.

“We need to send a fighter to who will stand with President Trump, keep South Carolina RED, hold the majority in the U.S. Senate, and deliver results to our families.”

Norman has been a fairly strong supporter of Trump since he entered the House of Representatives in 2017. He has dubbed Trump a “phenom,” said his tariff plan last year was “good for the country,” and supported the Trump-backed SAVE America Act, which would require ID to vote in federal elections.

Despite his pro-MAGA views, Trump opted to back Graham’s sister Friday.

“It was my Honor to welcome now Senator Darline Graham Nordone (The sister of the Late, Great Lindsey Graham!), from the Wonderful State of South Carolina, into the Oval Office,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “We have known each other for a long time — She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot.”

Trump continued:

Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina. During her visit, I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey. Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the Special Election for U.S. Senate in South Carolina — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. RUN, DARLINE, RUN! President DONALD J. TRUMP.

Nordone was sworn in Tuesday as her brother’s temporary replacement.

Businessman Mark Lynch is the only other Republican to officially enter the race before Norman, but there is speculation several others will join in soon. Those names include Rep. Nancy Grace (R-SC), Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (R), and ex-Governor and Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC).

Norman announced he was running during an appearance on Fox News.

Watch above via Saturday in America.

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