U.S. Representative Ralph Norman announced on July 18, 2026 that he will run in the special Republican primary to fill the South Carolina Senate seat left vacant by the death of Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11 at age 71 from an aortic dissection.
Norman's candidacy sets up a potential clash with President Donald Trump, who on July 17 urged Darline Graham, the late senator's sister, to run for a full term and offered his endorsement. Darline Graham was sworn into the Senate earlier this week after Governor Henry McMaster appointed her on July 14 to hold the seat through November. Businessman Mark Lynch, who lost to Lindsey Graham in June's primary, has also said he plans to reactivate his campaign.
Candidates must file by July 21, with the special primary set for August 11 and a possible runoff on August 25. Graham had represented South Carolina for 23 years.