Clyburn announces reelection bid, says he’ll run ‘vigorous campaign’

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina’s longest‑serving member of Congress announced Thursday that he is running for reelection, brushing aside calls to retire and saying he remains healthy and is ready for his 18th term.

Rep. Jim Clyburn, a Democrat who has represented South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District for more than three decades, said he plans to run what he called a “vigorous campaign” as Democrats look to regain control of the U.S. House in November.

Clyburn, who turns 86 in July, acknowledged that some longtime Democratic leaders — including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — have announced decisions to step aside. Still, he said he feels prepared to continue serving.

“I do believe that I’m very well equipped and healthy enough to move into the next term,” he said.

The only Democrat in South Carolina’s congressional delegation, Clyburn represents parts of the Midlands and Lowcountry. He said his decision to seek another term was driven by what he described as an ongoing responsibility to help strengthen the nation.

“I don’t think there’s anyone in this room today who believes that we should give up on that pursuit of perfection,” Clyburn said, referring to the idea of making America “a more perfect union.”

Clyburn said conversations with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his three daughters factored into his decision to run again, as Democrats focus on flipping the House in the upcoming midterm elections.

“In response to some extensive surveying, some intense consultations with my three daughters, they finally got to a unanimous opinion that I should be here today,” he said.

A key figure in Democratic politics, Clyburn played a pivotal role in helping then‑candidate Joe Biden secure the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. He dismissed any suggestion that the 2028 presidential race influenced his decision to seek reelection.

“I’m focused this year on state legislative seats, I’m focused on the constitutional offices, I’m focused on the governorship,” Clyburn said. “Once we get this behind us, I’ll start thinking about 2028.”

Clyburn declined to say whether this campaign would be his last, but said he looks forward to eventually spending more time reading, writing and playing golf.

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