Rep. Ralph Norman enters 2026 race for SC governor

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A South Carolina congressman, Ralph Norman, announced his run for South Carolina governor in 2026 in an event in Rock Hill on Sunday afternoon.

Norman announced his bid for governor in front of hundreds of supporters, many holding signs with the congressman’s key slogan: “Term Limits, Clean Up Columbia.”

The event began with several speakers. Rev. Jerry Devinney of Lakewood Baptist Church, Ralph Norman’s son Warren Norman, and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows all took the stage to show their support for the congressman’s bid for governor.

“I’m here today first and foremost to say that the next conservative Governor of South Carolina should be Ralph Norman!” Meadows said in his speech.

“Ralph has spent his career and life not just in politics, but in business. Ralph Norman will clean up Columbia like President Trump is cleaning up DC!”

The congressman named a number of policy changes he would make as SC Governor.

“My top priority will be fixing South Carolina’s infrastructure,” Norman said. “It is totally unacceptable that 50% of our roads need to be totally rebuilt.”

He also said he would support school choice, an issue that has been prevalent in South Carolina politics for several years.

One of Norman’s most distinct policy changes he proposed was term limits for state legislators.

“Public service was never meant to be a lifelong career,” Norman said. “Our founders never intended for politicians to live off the government forever.”

Norman is entering a crowded Republican primary that currently includes Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson as well as state Sen. Josh Kimbrell.

While no candidate has announced their intention to run on the Democratic side, state Rep. Jermaine Johnson notably formed an exploratory committee in late May.

Congressman Norman has won a pair of early endorsements shortly after his announcement.

Former Governor Nikki Haley has voiced her support for Norman’s campaign, stating:

“Ralph Norman is a strong conservative, a principled leader, and a friend who helped me take on the Columbia establishment and never stopped. I’m proud to stand with Ralph and endorse him for Governor,” said former Governor Haley. “Ralph will finally clean up Columbia, pass term limits, and prepare South Carolina for the next generation. When Ralph Norman is Governor, it will once again be a great day in South Carolina!”

Former U.S. Senator from South Carolina Jim DeMint also endorsed the U.S Congressman:

“If you looked up ‘principled conservative’ in the dictionary, there would be a picture of Ralph Norman. I’m proud to endorse him for Governor,” said DeMint. “Ralph has dedicated his life to protecting the cause of freedom, and with South Carolina on the precipice of a golden age, Columbia needs a freedom fighter as Governor to make sure that happens. If you want someone who will fight for term limits, lower taxes, and less government, then Ralph Norman is the choice to lead South Carolina forward.”

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