United States of America

GOP Candidates Enter South Carolina Primary After Graham Passing

Is Ralph Norman the fighter South Carolina needs or is backing Trump's pick Darline Graham the smarter move?

Published JUL 20

GOP Candidates Enter South Carolina Primary After Graham Passing

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Above: U.S. Representative Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) attended the swearing-in of Darline Graham Nordone as U.S. Senator at the U.S. Capitol on July 14. Image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The Spin

Conservative narrative

Ralph Norman is the real fighter South Carolina needs in the Senate — backed by Sens. Mike Lee and Rick Scott, he's laser-focused on passing the SAVE America Act and ending the filibuster to get results. Norman has spent years in Congress voting for Trump's agenda, and that proven record matters more than a name. South Carolina deserves a senator who earned the seat, not one who handed it.

Rick Scott on X Townhall

Mike Lee on X

Pro-Trump narrative

Norman is bucking Trump's own endorsed pick, and history shows that's a losing bet — 97% of Trump-endorsed candidates have won their primaries this cycle. Darline Graham was appointed at Trump's direction and has already been sworn in, giving her real institutional standing. Running against the president's explicit choice fractures the party right when unified Senate votes matter most.

FOX News

Donald Trump on Truth Social The Washington Times