Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) announced Sunday he’s launching a bid to succeed term-limited South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R), making him the latest Republican to throw his hat in the mix.
“I’ve seen way too many corrupt politicians in Columbia, S.C., looking out for themselves and not for you. And in Washington, I’ve seen career politicians who care more about their next election than they do securing our future generations,” Norman told supporters in Rock Hill, S.C.
“We do not need more career politician folks or lawyers running government,” he continued. “We need business leaders, people who have signed the front of a paycheck and people who have signed the back of a paycheck, folks who have built something, taken risk, made money, yes, and lost money.”
Norman joins several other prominent Republicans in launching a bid for South Carolina governor. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell have also announced campaigns to succeed McMaster.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) is expected to make a decision on whether to run for governor soon.
Nikki Haley, a former United Nations ambassador who also served as South Carolina governor, and former Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) have endorsed Norman in the race. Former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows has also backed Norman.
While the House Freedom Caucus member praised President Trump in his remarks, the question of whom the president endorses in the race still looms.
Norman endorsed Haley in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, later getting behind Trump once the former U.N. ambassador dropped out of the race. But Trump places a lot of weight on loyalty and has been unafraid to go after Republicans who he’s believed have been insufficiently loyal.
Whoever wins the Republican primary next year is seen as the heavy favorite to win in the November election.
