Rep. Ralph Norman announces bid for South Carolina governor

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., a member of the hard-right Freedom Caucus, announced 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 also emblazoned in front of his microphone: “Term limits. Clean up Columbia.”

The representative touted his conservative bona fides, pointing to his time in the House Freedom Caucus.

“Some people say I’ve earned a reputation of being uncompromising, always trying to build — to make a bill more conservative. Well, folks, I take that as a compliment,” Norman said. “I’m proud of it. When it comes to defending South Carolina values and protecting your hard-earned tax dollars, I drive a hard bargain, and I don’t apologize for that.”

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.

Norman made his announcement in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He was introduced by his son and walked onstage to the song “I Won’t Back Down,” which the Trump campaign has previously used.

The election is next year.