Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a member of the hard-right Freedom Caucus, announced on Sunday that he is running for governor, looking to succeed GOP Gov. Henry McMaster, who cannot run for re-election due to term limits.
Norman has at times been a thorn in GOP leadership’s side, particularly on sweeping spending bills. Norman was also one of the few House lawmakers not to endorse President Donald Trump in the presidential primary, instead backing former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign.
He praised Trump during his announcement, saying his actions would make him one of the “greatest” presidents.
“What he did to wipe out the world’s, the terror of Iran, what he did, the courage that he had to do what he did is going to put him on the annals of the greatest presidents we have ever had,” Norman said. “And I believe that South Carolina needs that same kind of leadership right now, which is why I’m here to announce I’m running to be the 118th governor of South Carolina.”
“I’m running for governor to shake things up,” he added, amid cheers of “Ralph! Ralph! Ralph!”
Norman said he would work to pass term limits for state legislators, a message that was emblazoned in front of his microphone: “Term limits. Clean up Columbia.”
Haley previously served as South Carolina’s governor and she endorsed Norman’s gubernatorial campaign on Sunday, according to a press release from his campaign.
Several GOP contenders have already announced their bids, including Alan Wilson, the state’s attorney general; and Pamela Evette, the state’s lieutenant governor.
