Rep. Ralph Norman, a candidate in the South Carolina special Republican U.S. Senate primary runoff, has suggested that his opponent, Sen. Darline Graham, is the establishment's favored candidate. Norman made the assertion in a campaign advertisement, stating that "the establishment has already" selected "their candidate" and that he is not their choice.
Graham and Norman secured the first and second positions, respectively, in the Aug. 11 special GOP primary. They are now set to compete in the runoff election scheduled for Aug. 25. Sen. Darline Graham was appointed to the Senate last month by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to fill the vacancy created by the death of her brother, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. President Donald Trump has endorsed Senator Graham.
Responding to Norman's claims, Graham campaign spokesperson Abby Zilch stated that it is "is a joke" to suggest Donald Trump is part of the establishment. Zilch asserted that Senator Graham "has built a broad coalition of conservatives across South Carolina," characterizing Norman as "a party of one: himself." She further criticized Norman's voting record, calling him a "fiscal conservative when it is politically convenient" and alleging he voted against pay raises for troops and benefits for veterans, while accepting COVID-19 relief money. Zilch described Darline Graham as a "MAGA fighter who will help President Trump deliver," implying Norman would obstruct these efforts.
Norman's campaign spokesperson, Brittany Yanick, countered by calling Norman "the only proven conservative in this race" and highlighting his support from conservative figures in Washington, D.C., including Senators Rick Scott and Mike Lee, as well as South Carolina leaders such as former Senator Jim DeMint and former State Rep. Adam Morgan. Yanick emphasized that Norman's record is clear, unlike his opponent, whom she described as "unknown and backed by Democrat donors." She added that South Carolinians "will vote for Ralph Norman to represent the Palmetto State for the next six years."