Rep. Ralph Norman, a staunch conservative and prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, officially entered the race for South Carolina governor on Sunday with a fiery campaign kickoff in Rock Hill, pledging to dismantle the state’s political establishment and return power to the people.
“I’m running for governor to shake things up, clean up Columbia, and finally take down the corrupt political elite,” Norman declared, according to prepared remarks shared with Fox News Digital. “I don’t owe a thing to lobbyists or bureaucrats. My allegiance is to the people of South Carolina.”
Anti-Establishment Agenda with Conservative Reforms
Norman, who has represented South Carolina in Congress since 2017, laid out a populist platform centered on government accountability, fiscal responsibility, and conservative social values.
Among his first proposed initiatives: establishing a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to root out “waste, fraud, and abuse.” He also vowed to push for voter-approved term limits for state lawmakers, overhaul the judicial appointment process by letting the public elect judges, and invest heavily in infrastructure.
“Our judges should answer to the people — not to backroom deals in the General Assembly,” Norman said, referencing the current system where lawmakers select most state judges.
He also promised to wield the governor’s veto power aggressively and take his case “directly to the people” using the bully pulpit.
Calling Out RINOs and Championing School Choice
Norman didn’t shy away from taking aim at moderate Republicans, warning so-called RINOs that they’ll face tough primary challenges if they block the reform agenda.
“If Republican lawmakers stand in the way of the changes the people are demanding, we’ll beat them in the primaries — plain and simple,” he said.
His platform includes backing school choice, opposing gender-neutral bathrooms in schools, and other socially conservative priorities.
Trump Ties and a Crowded Field
Norman praised President Donald Trump, highlighting their shared background in real estate and calling the president a fellow “risk-taker” and “builder.”
“Thankfully, we’ve got a great businessman — and fellow developer — back in the White House,” Norman said. “Just look at what a difference President Trump has made in just six months.”
Norman, who previously endorsed Nikki Haley during the GOP presidential primaries, emphasized that he maintained Trump’s respect throughout and quickly backed him once Haley exited the race.
Now he joins a competitive GOP field that includes Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and State Sen. Josh Kimbrell. Rep. Nancy Mace is also reportedly weighing a bid. Current Governor Henry McMaster is term-limited and will leave office in 2027.
With South Carolina’s deep-red electorate and President Trump’s enduring popularity in the state, his endorsement is expected to be a decisive factor in the 2026 race. Norman, who was recently at the White House for a Republican celebration, appears well-positioned to make his case.
“I’ve been called uncompromising — always fighting to make bills more conservative,” Norman said. “Well, I wear that as a badge of honor. That’s exactly what South Carolina needs right now.”
