SOUTH CAROLINA — U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman formally launched his campaign for governor of South Carolina ahead of the June primary, pledging forensic audits of state agencies, tougher business agreements, tax cuts and infrastructure overhauls. Norman, a native of York County, joined a crowded field of candidates seeking to replace Henry McMaster.

He has represented South Carolina's 5th congressional district since 2017, serving York, Lancaster and Chester counties. "Running for governor was the furthest thing from my mind. Congress we were doing a lot of good things," Norman said in announcing his candidacy.

He framed the race as a turning point for the state, arguing that key public systems had fallen behind. "Our infrastructure is not ready. Our education is not ready. Our legal system is not ready," he said. "This election is the most important election because you're locked in with the CEO," he said.

Among his central pledges, he said he would conduct a forensic audit of every state agency while reducing taxes. He also said he would take a harder line in negotiations with companies seeking to locate in South Carolina, telling companies that come to the state they must "pay their way."

He pointed to Scout Motors as an example of what he would seek to avoid. The company announced plans in 2023 to build a manufacturing plant near Columbia, South Carolina. In 2025, Scout Motors announced plans to build its manufacturing plant in Charlotte instead. He also addressed Silfab Solar, whose manufacturing facility sits yards from a Fort Mill public school and uses federally regulated chemicals to manufacture solar panels. In March, Fort Mill Schools asked state and local leaders to help permanently limit Silfab Solar's operations and remove all hazardous chemicals from the site. "Henry McMaster supported Silfab coming in," he said.