Rep. Ralph Norman is entering the race for South Carolina governor, setting up a competitive Republican primary in the race to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Henry McMaster.
Norman has already changed his social media handle to “Ralph Norman for Governor” and launched his campaign website. Norman, one of the House’s most conservative representatives and a member of the House Freedom Caucus, has teased a “special announcement” for Sunday in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Norman was one of two House members to initially back former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s 2024 presidential bid, potentially setting up a clash between the 72-year-old member of Congress and President Donald Trump, whose endorsement is seen as vital for success in GOP primaries.
Norman has now described himself as a steadfast supporter of the president, even while occasionally threatening to vote against administrative priorities on the Hill before ultimately acquiescing.
The AP first reported Norman’s plans, which he subsequently reposted.
Norman will face Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and state Attorney General Alan Wilson in the GOP primary for governor. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), an ally of Trump’s, has previously said she is “seriously considering” entering the race as well.
Norman has represented South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District, which encompasses the southern suburbs of Charlotte, since 2017. Even as an open seat race in the midterms, it is unlikely to be competitive; Trump comfortably won the deep-red district in 2024.
Norman’s campaign website positions him as an outsider promising to “shake things up, clean up Columbia, and knock down the corrupt political establishment once and for all!” He’s also promising to create a state-level version of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
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