Nordone was sworn in to complete her brother’s Senate term, which ends in January, after his sudden death last month from an aortic tear. Trump has endorsed her candidacy and successfully urged her to seek the seat permanently in the November election. She is one of nine Republicans competing in the Aug. 11 special primary.
Speaking to hundreds of attendees in Lexington, Nordone acknowledged she never planned a political career. “I certainly never expected to be on this stage, giving this stump speech,” she said. “I’ve never had any desire to be a politician. I’m here today because I’m answering President Trump’s call to serve. I want to stand up for South Carolina, and I want to fight for President Trump’s agenda.”
As a first-time candidate with limited elected experience, Nordone said her personal and professional background has given her practical insight into budgeting, health care costs, and how federal policy affects ordinary Americans. Until recently, many South Carolinians knew her mainly through her brother’s biography, including their modest upbringing and the early loss of their parents. Memorial services for the late senator were held in Washington and South Carolina shortly before she entered the race, leaving her little more than a week to introduce herself to voters.
All nine Republican candidates received five minutes each at the Saturday forum. Former Gov. Mark Sanford stressed his long focus on cutting federal spending and the national debt. U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman highlighted endorsements from Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah and reaffirmed support for the SAVE America Act. U.S. Rep. Russell Fry pointed to his working-class roots, saying his family relied on “our belief in God, hard work, and blue-collar hustle.”
After the speeches and complimentary Chick-fil-A lunches, attendees held an informal straw poll. Nordone finished first, narrowly ahead of Fry and Norman. Several voters said they wanted more time and information before the primary. One attendee, Charles Brentnell, listed Norman, Fry, and Nordone as his top three choices and praised their support for shortening Congress’s recess to advance legislation, including the SAVE America Act. “Let’s keep the Senate in the Senate, instead of taking a month off,” he said.
