Rep. Ralph Norman endorsed Sen. Darline Graham for the U.S. Senate on Wednesday afternoon, reversing course after comments following the contentious Republican primary runoff in which he lost to her last month.

Norman, a five-term House member from South Carolina and vice chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, forfeited running for reelection to his safely red House seat to instead run for governor but fell short in a crowded GOP primary. Norman then jumped into the Senate race following the unexpected death of Lindsey Graham in July from an aortic dissection. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) appointed Darline Graham, sister of Linday Graham, to the seat temporarily.

Graham received the full support and endorsement of President Donald Trump in the race. She won the special Republican primary runoff with 52.5 percent of the vote, advancing to face Democrat Annie Andrews for the seat in November. The seat is considered solidly Republican.

Norman called President Donald Trump's decision to get involved in the primary as "shocking." Norman questioned why Trump supported Graham despite Norman's own legislative record and business experience. When asked, Norman would not commit to campaigning with Graham ahead of November. He later suggested to reporters that voters could write him in on the general election ballot instead of the party's nominee.

The comments sparked criticism from Republicans and conservative groups. Only one day after his comments, Norman issued a statement reversing course and ultimately supporting Graham as the party's nominee.

As of the publishing of this article, prediction markets show Graham as the overwhelming favorite to win in November.