After college, he joined his father's construction business and helped grow it into one of South Carolina's most successful commercial real estate developers.

Over the course of his career, Ralph has served with a number of organizations dedicated to improving the community, including the York County Home Builders Association, the Children's Attention Home, the Salvation Army, and the Medical University of South Carolina Board of Visitors.

He has consistently demonstrated his dedication to conservative principles. Throughout his political career in the South Carolina House of Representatives and the U.S. House of Representatives, he has consistently voted in favor of limited government, individual liberties, and financially sound policies.

Ralph married Elaine Rice Norman on December 28, 1974. Elaine also is a lifelong resident of South Carolina, growing up in Belton. Together, they have 4 adult children- Warren, Anne, Mary Catherine, and Caroline, 17 grandchildren.

Awards- True Blue Award - Family Research Council Action Taxpayer Super Hero Award - Citizens Against Government Waste Award for Conservative Achievement - American Conservative Union Thomas Jefferson Award - International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) Solar Champion Award - Solar Energy Industries Association Supporting the solar industry Guardian of Seniors' Rights Award - 60 Plus Association Hero of Main Street Award - National Retail Federation Friend of Farm Bureau Award - American Farm Bureau Supporting Farm Bureau's position on policy issues Guardian of Small Business Award - National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Spirit of Enterprise Award - U.S. Chamber of Commerce