Top Republican Asks For Trump’s Endorsement

President Donald Trump is expected to play a major role in South Carolina’s upcoming Republican Senate primary following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, with several GOP candidates already competing for his endorsement.

One of those candidates is Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), who reportedly spoke with Trump on Sunday about the special election. According to Bloomberg Government, Norman asked the president for his endorsement and was told, “Give me a week,” suggesting Trump plans to carefully evaluate the race before making a decision.

Neither the White House nor Norman’s congressional office immediately commented on the reported conversation.

Norman is expected to officially launch his Senate campaign Tuesday during an event in Washington, D.C., according to Bloomberg Government.

Republican Primary Timeline Takes Shape

The race to replace Graham is moving quickly.

Republican candidates may file for the special election between July 21 and July 28. Voters will choose the GOP nominee in a special primary on August 11. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to an August 25 runoff.

The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.

Nancy Mace Also Considering Senate Bid

Norman may not be the only well-known Republican entering the contest.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) is reportedly considering a Senate campaign after her unsuccessful bid for governor earlier this year.

Both Mace and Norman were defeated in the Republican gubernatorial primary by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. Trump initially endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette before later backing both Evette and Wilson after the race advanced to a runoff.

Trump Expected to Influence Another High-Profile GOP Primary

Trump’s endorsements have carried significant weight in Republican primaries across the country, and political observers expect his decision in South Carolina to have a major impact on the Senate race.

The president has made supporting Republican candidates a key part of his strategy as the GOP works to maintain control of Congress heading into the midterm elections.

Speaking Sunday during NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump confirmed he already has a favorite in mind but said it was too early to publicly discuss the race out of respect for Graham.

“I have somebody that I think would be great, but I don’t want to say it now because it’s just too soon with Lindsey,” Trump said. “I don’t want to even talk about anybody, but I do have somebody that I think is really good.”

South Carolina Race Draws National Attention

Graham served four terms in the U.S. Senate after succeeding longtime Sen. Strom Thurmond. His passing has created one of the highest-profile special elections of the year, with Republicans expected to compete vigorously for both Trump’s endorsement and the GOP nomination.

With candidate filing set to begin later this month, all eyes will remain on Trump as Republicans wait to see whether his endorsement reshapes the field in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races.