Story perspectives

Trump-backed Graham interim as Norman leads GOP Senate poll

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) announced his candidacy for the South Carolina U.S. Senate seat and said he will prioritize SAVE America Act and work to eliminate Senate filibuster.
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister Darline Graham as interim senator, receiving an endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump for a full term.
An Emerson College/Nexstar Media poll showed Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) leading the Republican field with 16.4 percent support.

History

Historical Context

In November 2013 the Democratic Senate, led by Majority Leader Harry Reid, voted 52-48 to invoke the “nuclear option,” dropping the 60-vote cloture threshold for executive and most judicial nominations. That precedent was expanded by Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in April 2017 to include Supreme Court nominees. Today, proposals to abolish the filibuster for all nominations echo Reid’s 2013 move, reshaping Senate majority power.

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Story summary

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) announced his candidacy for the South Carolina U.S. Senate seat and said he will prioritize SAVE America Act and work to eliminate Senate filibuster.
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister Darline Graham as interim senator, receiving an endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump for a full term.
An Emerson College/Nexstar Media poll showed Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) leading the Republican field with 16.4 percent support.

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