Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) announced Saturday he will run for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Sen. Lindsey Graham's sudden demise.

Graham, 71, died last week from what a preliminary medical examiner's report identified as a tear in his main artery.

Norman Invokes Graham's Legacy

Norman framed his campaign as a continuation of Graham's legacy. "For years, Senator Lindsey Graham fought hard to save America and defend South Carolina," he said in his campaign announcement, adding that South Carolina now needs "another proven America First conservative" to help Trump advance his agenda in the Senate.

Norman highlighted his support for the SAVE America Act, a measure requiring proof of citizenship to vote that Trump has called his top legislative priority. He also pledged to push for ending the Senate filibuster to pass the bill.

Race Takes Shape

Filing for the Aug. 11 special Republican primary opens on Tuesday. Businessman Mark Lynch and Duke Buckner have also joined the race, while Rep. Nancy Mace is considering launching her own campaign.

Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve out the remainder of his term. She was sworn in earlier this week, becoming the first sibling ever to succeed a senator who died in office. Trump has since urged her to seek a full term through 2033.

An Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media survey found Norman leading potential candidates with 16.4% support, though no clear frontrunner has emerged ahead of the November general election against Democrat Annie Andrews.