Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina, previously held by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Norman declared his intention to run during an interview on "Saturday In America with Kayleigh McEnany," stating his commitment to President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda.

"I'm here to announce that I will be a candidate for the Senate, I'll be throwing my hat into the ring, and day one, Kayleigh, I will be laser-focused on passing President Trump's America First," Norman said. He specifically championed Trump's SAVE America Act and expressed a strong desire to eliminate the legislative filibuster, referring to it as a procedure Republicans need to "nuke."

Norman's announcement comes shortly after President Trump publicly endorsed Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who was appointed to fill the remainder of her brother's term. Trump urged Graham to run for the seat fully, stating in a Truth Social post, "I hope Darline does this, in ⁠that there would be nobody better to honor ​the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey."

Acknowledging Trump's endorsement of Graham, Norman stated he had sought the former president's blessing. "He decided to go with Darline, who's a nice person, and he decided to go with her and I respect that, but that doesn't deter my plans. I'm in this to win," he told McEnany.

Norman confirmed he is in the process of filing paperwork to run in the Aug. 11 special GOP primary election. Although he does not have Trump's endorsement, Norman has secured support from GOP Senators Mike Lee of Utah and Rick Scott of Florida, both vocal opponents of the filibuster.

The South Carolina Senate GOP primary is expected to be competitive. Businessman Mark Lynch, who previously ran against Lindsey Graham, and attorney Duke Buckner have also declared their candidacies. Reports indicate that Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., is also being considered as a potential candidate, with state lawmakers reportedly eyeing his House seat should he enter the Senate race.