South Carolina Governor candidate Ralph Norman officially kicked off his campaign Sunday at a rally in Rock Hill. Norman, a Republican congressman since 2017, told supporters he plans to challenge the political establishment. “I’m running for governor to clean up Columbia and fight corruption,” Norman said to an energetic crowd. Furthermore, he vowed to serve the people, not the political elite. “My allegiance is to you, the people of South Carolina,” he declared.
Building on that promise, Norman’s campaign message centers around cutting waste, increasing efficiency, and restoring trust in government. To achieve these goals, he introduced a proposal to create a Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. According to Norman, this new agency would aim to eliminate fraud, abuse, and government overspending.He also supports fixing South Carolina’s aging infrastructure and placing term limits on lawmakers. Additionally, Norman wants to allow voters to elect judges, challenging the current system where lawmakers and governors appoint most judges.
Moreover, Norman promised to veto wasteful legislation and bring his case directly to the people. In addition, he plans to push for school choice and enforce gender-based bathroom rules in schools. At the same time, his speech included strong criticism of moderate Republicans who resist reform. “If Republican lawmakers don’t fight for real change, we’ll challenge them in the primaries,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the South Carolina Governor race is already drawing several contenders. Among them, Republican candidates include Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and Sen. Josh Kimbrell. Additionally, Rep. Nancy Mace is also reportedly considering a bid. Norman highlighted his background in real estate and compared it to President Trump’s path. He argued that business leaders bring valuable experience to government.
“We need leaders who’ve built businesses, signed paychecks, and taken real risks,” Norman said. He praised Trump’s return to the White House and noted their shared roots in property development. Norman also defended his conservative record in Congress. He helped push budget bills further right and stood firm on his principles. “I’ve been called uncompromising, and I take that as a compliment,” he said.
He currently serves on the House Financial Services, Budget, and Rules Committees. Earlier this year, Norman switched his endorsement from Nikki Haley to Donald Trump, without damaging his standing with the president. He recently joined Trump at a White House reception celebrating GOP legislative wins.
The South Carolina Governor election is scheduled for November 2026. Norman’s entrance into the race promises a fiery campaign rooted in conservative values and bold reforms.
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