Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., has endorsed her colleague Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., in the special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. This decision marks a divergence from former President Donald Trump, who has publicly supported Darline Graham, the sister of the late senator, for the position. The filing period for the special election, scheduled for August 11, opened this week.
Mace stated that Norman is a "tried-and-true conservative warrior" and a "proven conservative with a 100% conservative voting record." She emphasized his history of fighting against "the swamp" and "reckless spending." Mace, who announced she would not run for the Senate seat herself, described Norman as someone who "doesn’t bend, doesn’t break, and doesn’t back down."
Norman, in his own statement, expressed honor at receiving Mace's endorsement. He positioned himself as a "PROVEN conservative fighter" who will "stand with President Trump, advance the America First agenda, and help pass the SAVE America Act in the U.S. Senate."
Sens. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Mike Lee, R-Utah, have also endorsed Norman, citing a shared commitment to the SAVE America Act. Mace and Norman have also criticized Rep. Russell Fry, another Republican candidate, for launching a Senate bid while also running for his House seat. They argue that Fry's dual candidacy could jeopardize the Republican majority in the House by potentially triggering another special election in South Carolina's 7th congressional district.
Trump had previously encouraged Darline Graham to run, stating, "run, Darline, run," in a social media post after meeting with her. Graham has secured endorsements from key Republican figures, including Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., who called her an "excellent senator."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has chosen to remain neutral in the race, describing Graham as a "strong candidate" with an "accomplished life" despite lacking elected experience. South Carolina law permits candidates to appear on ballots for multiple offices, though they must eventually choose one if nominated for both, which would necessitate a special election to fill any vacated House seat. Mace asserted that running for two offices at once signals a pursuit of power rather than service to constituents.