South Carolina’s Jim Clyburn Announces Bid for 18th Congressional Term

Veteran South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn announced Thursday he will seek an 18th term in the House of Representatives. At 85, the longtime Democratic leader could become the longest-serving House member in South Carolina history if elected.

Veteran South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn announced Thursday his intention to seek an 18th term in the House of Representatives, a decision that could establish him as a senior Democratic voice if his party reclaims control this November.

The 85-year-old lawmaker stands as the senior-most Democrat in South Carolina’s delegation and represents the sole remaining member of the previous Democratic leadership structure planning to continue serving. Both former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from California and former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer from Maryland have announced their retirement plans.

Having previously held positions as majority whip and assistant Democratic leader, Clyburn’s continued presence in Congress could allow him to work alongside what may become the chamber’s first Black speaker, as New York Representative Hakeem Jeffries stands ready to assume leadership should Democrats regain the majority. Clyburn previously held the distinction of being the highest-ranking African American House member for many years.

When launching his campaign for a 16th term four years earlier, Clyburn shared with The Associated Press his commitment to continue serving as long as his health remained strong and his family supported his efforts.

“I’ve told them, if you ever see that I need to go to the rocking chair or spend my spare time on the golf course, let me know,” he explained regarding advice from his daughters. “And so far, they’re telling me, from what they feel and hear, I should keep going.”

Clyburn secured his 2024 reelection victory with a margin exceeding 20 percentage points. Since his initial election in 1992, he has represented a district spanning from Columbia’s surrounding areas through rural central and eastern counties extending to Charleston.

Completing an 18th term would make Clyburn the most enduring House representative in South Carolina’s history. The state’s Senate delegation has seen longer tenures, including Republican Strom Thurmond’s 48-year service and Democrat Fritz Hollings’ nearly 39-year career.

South Carolina’s election filing period begins Monday and concludes March 30, with primary elections scheduled for June 9.