Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina announced on Thursday that he will seek an 18th term in Congress, making him the last of his generation of House Democratic leaders still on the ballot.
Key Takeaways
Rep. Jim Clyburn announced his bid for an 18th term in Congress, defying calls for generational change within the Democratic Party. The 85-year-old lawmaker emphasized his health and commitment to serving another term.
- Rep. Jim Clyburn announces run for 18th term in Congress
- Clyburn is the last of House Democrats' previous generation of leaders seeking reelection
- He won his 2024 reelection by more than 20 percentage points
- Clyburn's decision comes amid a push within the Democratic Party for generational change
- Should he serve an 18th term, Clyburn would become the longest-serving South Carolinian ever in the U.S. House
The 85-year-old Democrat made the announcement at an event with supporters at the South Carolina Democratic Party headquarters in Columbia. Clyburn stated that he would be signing the paperwork needed to run and would mount a 'very vigorous campaign'. He emphasized his health and commitment, saying, "If I were not up to it, I would not do it."
Clyburn noted that he had consulted with his three daughters, who unanimously agreed he should seek reelection. His decision comes amid a push within the Democratic Party for generational change.
The congressman has served in Congress since 1993 and was the No. 3 Democrat in the House from 2007 to 2023, making him the highest-ranking African-American lawmaker during that time. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland stepped down from their leadership roles ahead of Clyburn, who relinquished his position as House Democratic whip in 2023.
Both Pelosi and Hoyer have announced their retirements from Congress, making Clyburn the last of House Democrats' previous generation of leaders to seek reelection. South Carolina's primary will take place on June 9, with Clyburn representing the state's solidly Democratic 6th Congressional District.
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