Who Is Running in South Carolina Congressional District 5th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Ralph Norman
(Incumbent)Economy
HighRalph Norman supports economic growth and job creation, advocating for policies to strengthen the economy. He introduced H.R. 7628 to eliminate automatic pay raises for Members of Congress, asserting they should not receive salary boosts regardless of results. He also voted to make President Trump’s tax cuts permanent, allowing working Americans to retain more earnings, and supports reducing red tape for small businesses.
Immigration
HighRalph Norman supports legal immigration, viewing it as a source of talent and cultural diversity. He advocates for policies to end illegal entry, including increased border security funding, implementing mandatory E-Verify, and ending the diversity lottery. He voted for the SAVE America Act to secure elections and stresses the importance of funding the Department of Homeland Security for border security and immigration enforcement.
Healthcare
HighRalph Norman voted against earmarks in the FY26 Labor, Health, and Human Services appropriations bill that would fund transgender surgeries, late-term abortions, and gender clinics. He introduced an amendment to strike these Senate-inserted earmarks. Norman advocates for a patient-centered healthcare system, arguing that a government-centered approach has led to high premiums and limited networks.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Ralph Norman |
|---|---|
| Economy | Ralph Norman supports economic growth and job creation, advocating for policies to strengthen the economy. He introduced H.R. 7628 to eliminate automatic pay raises for Members of Congress, asserting they should not receive salary boosts regardless of results. He also voted to make President Trump’s tax cuts permanent, allowing working Americans to retain more earnings, and supports reducing red tape for small businesses. High |
| Immigration | Ralph Norman supports legal immigration, viewing it as a source of talent and cultural diversity. He advocates for policies to end illegal entry, including increased border security funding, implementing mandatory E-Verify, and ending the diversity lottery. He voted for the SAVE America Act to secure elections and stresses the importance of funding the Department of Homeland Security for border security and immigration enforcement. High |
| Healthcare | Ralph Norman voted against earmarks in the FY26 Labor, Health, and Human Services appropriations bill that would fund transgender surgeries, late-term abortions, and gender clinics. He introduced an amendment to strike these Senate-inserted earmarks. Norman advocates for a patient-centered healthcare system, arguing that a government-centered approach has led to high premiums and limited networks. High |
| Climate & Energy | Ralph Norman voted against a ruling on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, stating that retirement funds should not be used to advance climate and social agendas. He also supported the House version of the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which sought to roll back what he referred to as "Biden’s Green New Scam." Norman indicated he was working to make the bill fiscally responsible. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Ralph Norman advocates for the protection of unborn life, stating that "life is God-given, not government-granted" and that "the right to life is the foundation upon which all other rights are built." He opposes using taxpayer dollars for abortions and has earned an A+ from SBA Pro-Life America for his voting record on this issue. He also introduced H.R. 632, the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act. High |
| Foreign Policy | Representative Ralph Norman advocates for a strong national defense and U.S. global leadership, believing it is essential to protect American interests and ensure military readiness. He voted for the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (H.R. 8035) and against an amendment that could hinder nuclear arms control flexibility. Norman also opposed the Israel Security Assistance Support Act (H.R. 8369) and supports legislation to secure U.S. elections, consistent with a "Peace Through Strength" approach. High |
| Education | Ralph Norman supports the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which provides tax relief and strengthens school choice for American families, aiming to empower parents in educational decisions. He advocates for revoking the National Education Association's federal charter, citing concerns over its alignment with American family values. Norman also opposes taxpayer funding for illegal aliens' education, emphasizing that American citizens should be prioritized in education funding. High |
| Gun Policy | Ralph Norman voted against various gun control measures, stating they restrict Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. He argued these measures do not address the root causes of violence and are "feel-good efforts of questionable value." Instead, Norman supported legislation to fund school resource officers, mental health counselors, and tighten school security. High |
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