WATCH: Super-conservative Republican officially in race for Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, while Trump urges sister Darline to run * WorldNetDaily * by Joe Kovacs

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U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C. and interim U.S. Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, R-S.C.U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C. and interim U.S. Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, R-S.C.

U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, has announced he’s definitely running for the U.S. Senate seat in the wake of Lindsey Graham’s sudden death, but the commander in chief is now urging Graham’s sister, interim Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, to become the next elected senator from the Palmetto State.

“It’s official!” Norman exclaimed Saturday. “I’m running to represent the people of South Carolina in the U.S. Senate because we need a fighter who will stand with President Trump and carry on Lindsey Graham’s legacy!

“I’ve spent years fighting for the Palmetto State in the state house, in Congress, and now I want to get the SAVE America Act passed in the Senate!”

He told Kayleigh McEnany of Fox News: “We’ll nuke the filibuster and I will be a vocal, a vocal vote and a supporter to make this happen.”

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But Norman may have opposition from interim Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, whom Trump is urging to run.

“We have known each other for a long time,” Trump said of Nordone, who was sworn in last week on a temporary, fill-in basis.

“She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot. 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!”

News Nation asked Norman if he would drop out of the race should Nordone run for the seat, and he responded: “I asked for President Trump’s endorsement. Anybody would love to have it. He decided to go with Darline Graham and that’s fine.

“No, I’m not going to drop out. I’m in this race to win it, and we’ve got a country to save and I’ll put my record up against anybody’s.”

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Norman has already received the endorsement of two popular Republican senators, Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah.

Sen. Scott said, “Ralph is a conservative fighter who will stand with @POTUS and help him deliver on the promises he made to the American people. Ralph has spent his career in the House doing exactly that, casting vote after vote to advance President Trump’s agenda, including the SAVE America Act. “I’ve watched him put in the hard work, and I know he will deliver. He will do a great job for South Carolina!”

Sen. Lee said: “Now, more than ever, we need a strong fiscal conservative who understands how important it is that we pass President Donald J. Trump’s agenda for the American people. That starts by passing the SAVE America Act. Through his work in the House, Ralph has proven himself to be a champion for South Carolinians and his many votes to pass the SAVE America Act is yet another reminder of his commitment to protecting our democracy. The Senate needs a champion for the people, and that’s why I’m proud to support Ralph Norman for Senate.”

Turning Point Action is also endorsing Norman, saying: “Ralph is a good man and has been one of the most conservative stalwarts in the South.”

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