Congressman Norman backs Graham after criticizing Trump’s role in primaries — The Hill
Republican Congressman Ralph Norman of South Carolina has backed Senator Darline Graham, who will run for the U.S. Senate in the November general election. Earlier, he criticized President Donald Trump’s involvement in the state’s Republican primaries, The Hill reports.
In a post on X, Norman said he respects the decision of South Carolina voters, congratulated Graham on winning the Republican nomination, and will support the Republican Party’s candidate in November. He explained this by prioritizing victory over Democrats and the protection of conservative values.
Criticism of Trump’s role
A day earlier, Norman called Trump’s involvement in the South Carolina campaign “shocking.” In comments shared by C-SPAN, he said that the president had the right to spend millions of dollars on the primaries, but questioned the expediency of such intervention given other places where Republicans, in his words, are struggling against liberals.
The congressman also agreed with the suggestion that Trump’s endorsement was a decisive factor in the race. At the same time, he said that the president had done much for the country, but again called his involvement in the South Carolina primaries “shocking.”
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Race for the Senate seat
Trump became involved in Darline Graham’s campaign, endorsed her, and campaigned after the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, in early July. Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly after more than two decades of service in Congress and after winning the Republican Party primary in June.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to the vacant Senate seat, after which she began campaigning for a full term. Graham and Norman advanced to a runoff in early August, and she later won the Republican nomination.
Norman had previously left a Republican-safe House seat to run for governor, but lost in a crowded Republican primary. In the general election, Graham will face Democratic Party candidate Annie Andrews. The Hill notes that the Senate seat is considered reliably Republican.
