In the thick of the long winter days that make up the beginning of a new year, November seems as though it could just as easily be years away as it is months. But in 2026, South Carolina will count down the days until November 3 when we elect our 118th governor. We see the tv commercials, hear the radio ads, watch the debates, and read news articles about the candidates’ politics and promises. But as important as understanding the candidates’ vision for the future of SC, is learning who they are outside of campaigns and public policies. We were able to sit down with Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Ralph Norman, to talk about his family, his real estate career, and what he loves most about South Carolina.
Anderson Magazie (AM): Did you grow up in SC?
Ralph Norman (RN): Yes, I grew up in Rock Hill and graduated from Rock Hill High School. I went to college at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, where I met my wife, Elaine. Elaine is originally from Belton. We have been married for 50 years and have 4 children and 17 grandchildren.
AM: What was your career prior to getting into politics?
RN: After graduating college, I went into the real estate business with my dad. He had a real estate development company, managing rentals and building houses. At that time, it was my dad, the secretary, one other salesman, and me. I did that for 30 years. We built a lot of houses, then we got into commercial development with hotels and shopping centers, and that is what we do right now.
AM: What drives you to stay in the real estate business?
RN: In real estate you can build a product and see it through from the ground up. That brings a lot of satisfaction. It’s hard work but it’s very similar to politics. No day in real estate is the same. I’ll go back to it when my political career ends.
AM: How did you get into politics?
RN: I was recruited by a group from Columbia. I knew politics is time consuming, so I didn’t pursue any of it until my children were grown and out of the house. I ran for the SC House of Representatives and served 4 terms. I was defeated in the 2006-2007 term, so I sat out of politics for a year or two. I was recruited again to run for the House, so I did and I won and served 3 terms. In 2017, a Congressional seat opened up, and I was able to get the seat.
AM: What is special about your district?
RN: The diversity of people. The district is growing with people from out of state, so I represent the farmer, the manufacturer, the merchant, and an assortment of many people who make up this district.
AM: Growing up, did you ever think you would become a United States Congressman and eventually run for Governor?
RN: Yes. I was always interested in politics and followed it closely when I was young. I was a Page for Strom Thurmond and thought that if I ever had the opportunity to run for office, I would.
AM: What do you do in your free time?
RN: I garden and spend a lot of time with my family. My family gets together with our children and grandchildren multiple times through the week. We have a farm where we like to get together to ride four wheelers and have bonfires.
AM: What do you love about SC?
RN: The people and the makeup of the individual towns. It’s diversified, but it’s just good, hardworking people. A lot of people from other states settle all over SC. Another thing I love about our state is that you can get to the mountains, the beach, and natural forest lands, in a short drive. The ability to drive from the mountains to the beach in just a few hours is a real asset to SC.