Republican Entering New Race
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman is expected to file his candidacy this Friday to run for governor, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched races in the South.
A proud conservative and businessman, Norman says it’s time to bring real-world leadership to the Governor’s Mansion—just like President Trump brought to the White House.
“America has a businessman in the Oval Office. It’s time South Carolina had one too,” Norman said in a campaign statement. “We need to fix our roads, overhaul education, and root out the corruption that’s rotting Columbia from the inside out.”
Known for his no-nonsense approach in Congress, Norman has been a key member of the House Freedom Caucus and a vocal supporter of President Trump’s America First agenda. He’s pushed back hard against the left’s woke agenda, calling for the elimination of radical DEI programs in government and higher education. He’s also fought to rein in reckless federal spending and secure our southern border.
While Norman has largely backed Trump’s policies, he did support former Governor Nikki Haley in last year’s GOP presidential primary. The two served together in the South Carolina House beginning in 2005 and have remained political allies ever since. Haley has yet to announce who she will endorse in the gubernatorial race.
Norman now faces a competitive Republican primary that includes several high-profile candidates: Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace.
Mace acknowledged Norman’s entry into the race with a brief statement Friday on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “We wish Congressman Ralph Norman the best of luck today as he announces his run for Governor.”
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is term-limited and will leave office in 2026, opening the door for what is shaping up to be a hard-fought battle for the state’s top office.
With issues like border security, school choice, government transparency, and job creation at the forefront, voters in South Carolina will soon have the opportunity to choose a governor who reflects their conservative values—and who’s ready to take on the entrenched political elite.
