Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) is throwing his hat into the 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial race, entering what is expected to be a competitive GOP primary.
While he is not expected to formally announce his bid until Sunday, a campaign site was launched Friday, stating that he is running “to shake things up, clean up Columbia, and knock down the corrupt political establishment once and for all!”
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His campaign told the Associated Press he would be filing his candidacy paperwork on Friday, and his X handle was also changed to “Ralph Norman for Governor.”
The major step into the competitive Republican primary comes as Norman is expected to make a formal announcement Sunday in his district after Congress went home for a month-long district work period, during which Democrats and Republicans will race to define President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“We’re at a pivotal time in South Carolina history,” Norman told the Washington Examiner when asked why he wants to run. “People are coming, they’re fleeing the states of high taxation, New York, Colorado, San Francisco, all of that. They’re coming south because of where we are, our economy, and we have to protect South Carolina.”
“A lot of them are bringing their politics with them,” the South Carolina Republican added. “That is not good. Got to protect the state.”
Norman is one of the most fiscally conservative members of Congress. He is a staunch advocate of deep spending cuts and is often known to hold out on voting on legislation as part of negotiating. He is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, known for its outspoken conservative beliefs.
The South Carolina gubernatorial race is expected to feature a competitive GOP primary, with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) heavily weighing a bid that would pit her against Norman.
Norman told the Washington Examiner that he is confident he could beat Mace. He will be joining the race with Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (R-SC) for next June’s GOP primary.
“Competition is good, you give people a choice,” Norman said. “That’s what made the country great, and I love the competitive part.”
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The 72-year-old congressman has spent his entire life in South Carolina, attending both high school and college there. Before serving in Congress, he was a member of the state House. Norman has been married to his wife since 1974, and they have four children and 17 grandchildren.
As one of nine Republicans on the House Rules Committee, which oversees bills before they are voted on, Norman plays a pivotal role in what legislation makes it to the House floor. He also serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Budget Committee.