{"id":2647840,"date":"2026-08-21T13:13:02","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T17:13:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/mark-sanford-backs-ralph-norman-in-south-carolina-runoff\/"},"modified":"2026-08-21T13:16:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T17:16:04","slug":"mark-sanford-backs-ralph-norman-in-south-carolina-runoff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/mark-sanford-backs-ralph-norman-in-south-carolina-runoff\/","title":{"rendered":"Mark Sanford backs Ralph Norman in South Carolina runoff"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fmark-sanford-backs-ralph-norman-in-south-carolina-runoff%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2647840&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford endorsed Rep. Ralph norman ahead of a campaign rally for Senator darline Graham Nordone, Norman\u2019s opponent in the primary runoff too succeed the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Sanford highlighted his concerns about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/bidens-american-families-plan-is-far-from-a-new-deal-economic-boon\/\" title=\"Biden\u2019s \u2018American Families Plan\u2019 Is Far From a New Deal Economic Boon\">federal government spending<\/a>, the national debt, and deficits as key reasons for his support, despite personal connections with Graham Nordone and her late brother. Sanford expressed criticism of President Trump, especially on economic and fiscal issues, and had previously challenged Trump in 2018 and attempted a primary run against him in 2020. He ultimately finished fourth in the primary race and did not secure a spot in the runoff. Sanford emphasized that the nation&#8217;s financial health compelled him to endorse norman over Graham Nordone.His endorsement coincided with Trump&#8217;s scheduled rally for Graham Nordone, although Trump did not comment on her recent debate performance.Sanford&#8217;s political maneuvers reflect ongoing tensions with Trump and concerns over national fiscal policy.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Former <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/south-carolina\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"524\">South Carolina<\/a> Gov. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/mark-sanford\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"4161\">Mark Sanford<\/a> endorsed Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) ahead of President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"4\">Donald Trump<\/a>\u2018s Friday campaign stop for Sen. Darline Graham Nordone (R-SC), Norman\u2019s opponent in the special primary election runoff to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre there things on which I disagree with Ralph, absolutely,\u201d Sanford wrote in a statement Friday. \u201cBut again there are no carbon copies as candidates, and I have seen first hand his experience in legislative circles, matched by a conservative voting record and conservative stands.\u201d<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4696199\/mark-sanford-backs-ralph-norman-south-carolina-senate-runoff\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Mark Sanford backs Ralph Norman in South Carolina Senate runoff<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4696087\/vindman-promises-donate-war-chest-florida-democrats\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Vindman promises to donate his war chest to Florida Democrats<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4696019\/dsa-backed-angie-nixon-distances-self-socialist-label-florida-senate-race\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Angie Nixon tries to shirk off \u2018socialist\u2019 label despite DSA backing<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sanford added that he based his decision on his concerns regarding <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/government-spending\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"1631\">federal government spending<\/a>, the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/national-debt\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"1304\">national debt<\/a>, and the resulting <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/budgets-and-deficits\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"54\">deficits<\/a>, despite his relationships with both Graham Nordone and her deceased brother, whom she replaced in the Senate in July.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI am freaked about this issue given our crossing of the $40 trillion federal debt mark this week,\u201d he wrote. \u201cIt has heinous implications for all of us. And so as much as I would like to honor tradition and old friendships, the stakes are simply too high as our nation really is at a financial tipping point. It\u2019s for these reasons and more that I will be voting for Ralph on Tuesday and respectfully ask that you do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sanford\u2019s endorsement came hours before Trump is scheduled to address a rally for Graham Nordone at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sanford has been a longtime critic of Trump, particularly over his economic policies and spending positions, which resulted in the president, during his first term, campaigning against him in 2018, five years after the former governor returned to Congress, including endorsing his then-primary challenger to represent South Carolina\u2019s 1st Congressional District, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/katie-arrington\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"6457\">Katie Arrington<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A year later, Sanford tried to primary Trump in his 2020 reelection campaign, before suspending his bid two months later.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4695048\/scott-jennings-cnn-experience-press-secretary-sweepstakes\/\"><strong>CNN CLASHES BUILT SCOTT JENNINGS FOR THE WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING ROOM. BUT IS THE RISK WORTH THE REWARD?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sanford, who considered running for Congress again earlier this year, ran to replace Graham in the special primary but finished in fourth and missed the runoff.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trump did not respond to a shouted question from the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> this week with respect to whether he watched Graham Nordone\u2019s debate in which she made several missteps, including misstating the population of South Carolina.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sanford endorses Norman over Graham Nordone in SC runoff<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2652,"featured_media":2647841,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AP26224071293772.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[13348,5894,9973,3911,41960],"class_list":["post-2647840","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-endorsement","tag-politics","tag-primaries","tag-republican","tag-south-carolina"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AP26224071293772.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2647840","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2652"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2647840"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2647840\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2647844,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2647840\/revisions\/2647844"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2647841"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2647840"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2647840"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2647840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}