Rep. Ralph Norman Announces Bid For South Carolina Governor

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a personnel of nan hard-right Freedom Caucus, announced connected Sunday that he is moving for governor, looking to win GOP Gov. Henry McMaster, who cannot tally for re-election owed to word limits.

Norman has astatine times been a thorn successful GOP leadership’s side, peculiarly connected sweeping spending bills. Norman was besides 1 of nan fewer House lawmakers not to endorse President Donald Trump successful nan statesmanlike primary, alternatively backing erstwhile United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley’s statesmanlike campaign.

He praised Trump during his announcement, saying his actions would make him 1 of nan "greatest" presidents.

"What he did to swipe retired nan world's, nan panic of Iran, what he did, nan courageousness that he had to do what he did is going to put him connected nan annals of nan top presidents we person ever had," Norman said. "And I judge that South Carolina needs that aforesaid benignant of activity correct now, which is why I'm present to denote I'm moving to beryllium nan 118th politician of South Carolina."

"I'm moving for politician to shingle things up," he added, amid cheers of "Ralph! Ralph! Ralph!"

Norman said he would activity to walk word limits for authorities legislators, a connection that was emblazoned successful beforehand of his microphone: "Term limits. Clean up Columbia."

Haley antecedently served arsenic South Carolina’s politician and she endorsed Norman’s gubernatorial run connected Sunday, according to a property merchandise from his campaign.

Several GOP contenders person already announced their bids, including Alan Wilson, nan state’s lawyer general; and Pamela Evette, nan state’s lieutenant governor.