Jim Clyburn to Seek 18th Term in Congress

Longtime Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina has announced that he will run for his 18th two-year term in Congress. This decision came to light during an event in Columbia, where the 85-year-old stated, “In the next few minutes, I will sign the necessary paperwork to qualify me to run again as the Democratic Party’s nominee.”

Clyburn’s announcement contrasts with a growing desire for generational change within the party. This push is partly driven by concerns over then-President Joe Biden’s mental and physical health, which ultimately led him to step back from the 2024 re-election race, prompting some veteran Democrats to retire.

Clyburn has held a leadership role in the House Democratic leadership for almost 20 years, working alongside former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, and Steny Hoyer, 86, both of whom have indicated they will retire at the end of 2026.

When questioned about his age, Clyburn quipped that he’ll soon be “celebrating the 47th anniversary of my 39th birthday.” He added, “I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t feel like it. My health is good.”

While numerous House Democrats in their 70s and 80s are planning to retire at the end of the current Congress, a few, like Republican Hal Rogers, 88, and Democratic Maxine Waters, 87, are seeking re-election.

Clyburn is well-regarded as a prominent Black political figure and a key player in the South Carolina Democratic Party. His influence is significant, particularly due to South Carolina’s historical role as a pivotal primary state for presidential candidates.

His endorsement of Biden during the 2020 primary helped catapult the former vice president to success in that election, eventually leading to his nomination and subsequent victory in the presidential race.