‘This is phenomenal’: Ralph Norman wins reelection in SC’s 5th Congressional District

U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman has won reelection in South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District against two challengers, according to the early vote count.

However, voting results still must be certified by local voting officials.

Norman, who’s held the seat since 2017, faced competition from Democrat Evangeline Hundley and Larry Gaither, a member of the Green Party. Norman first won the seat in a special election after then-U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney joined former President Donald Trump’s administration.

Hundley, a real estate agent from Newberry, beat Kevin Eckert, a former biological science technician from Sumter, in the state’s June primary.

Just before 9 p.m., the Associated Press declared Norman the winner.

With 100% of statewide precincts reported Wednesday morning, unofficial results showed Norman with 64% of the vote. Hundley had 34% and Gaither had 1%.

Shortly after the results were announced, Norman, at his watch party, walked down an aisle of supporters at Magnolia Room in Rock Hill. The 100-plus crowd, mostly wearing red, white and blue, cheered and clapped. Victory music blared throughout the room.

Beside him, two TV’s showed Norman’s race results.

The Republican incumbent’s family, including his grandchildren, took up the entire stage. He thanked his supporters, along with his family, friends, staff and volunteers, who worked to secure his reelection.

“I can’t tell you how much it means to look out here and see all of you,” he told the crowd. “This is phenomenal. This is what gives me hope for the future.”

The crowd cheered.

“This is why I serve because we live in the greatest country in the world,” he continued, having to pause as the crowd cheered. “I do this for you.”

Then, Norman laid out what he plans to accomplish now that he’s reelected.

He said he’d focus on improving the country’s budget, stopping the implementation of critical race theory in schools and immigration control.

“Tonight is the night we reclaim our country from the radical left and stop the utter insanity,” he said.

Dozens in the crowd stood and cheered.

“The only two books we need to really abide by are the Constitution and the Bible,” he continued.

Several in the crowd shouted: “Amen!”

At the end of the his speech, Norman took aim at President Joe Biden and other Democrats for putting the country under “a socialist rule.” He insisted Republicans will not cooperate with the other party, which will lead to “two years of inaction.”

“That’s a good thing,” he told the crowd. “Help us save this country. It’s time to fight and I welcome a fight.”

This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 10:49 PM.