South Carolina – At 85 years old, Representative Jim Clyburn is preparing to once again place his name before voters, signaling that his long journey in public service is not yet finished, unlike California and Maryland lawmakers who decided to retire.
The veteran South Carolina Democrat announced Thursday that he intends to seek an 18th term in the U.S. House of Representatives, reaffirming his commitment to public life even as other longtime Democratic leaders step away from Congress.
Clyburn shared the news while speaking to supporters gathered at the South Carolina Democratic Party headquarters.
Standing before the crowd, he explained that he was preparing to complete the paperwork required to qualify for the Democratic nomination, setting the stage for another campaign.
His decision arrives as other senior Democratic leaders begin stepping away from public office. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and longtime Maryland Representative Steny Hoyer, both of whom worked closely with Clyburn in party leadership for years, have chosen to retire.
Clyburn, however, made clear that he believes he still has work left to do.
First elected to Congress in 1992, the same year Bill Clinton won the presidency, Clyburn quickly emerged as a rising figure within the Democratic caucus. His colleagues selected him as co-president of his freshman class, an early signal of the leadership roles that would follow.
In the years that followed, Clyburn steadily built influence in the House. He served as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus from 1999 to 2001 and later joined the Democratic leadership team.
After Democrats reclaimed the House majority in 2006, Clyburn was elected majority whip, making him the chamber’s third-ranking Democrat.
For 16 years, Clyburn, Pelosi, and Hoyer formed the core leadership trio guiding House Democrats through major political moments and legislative battles. The group remained in those roles until a generational shift began in 2022 when Pelosi and Hoyer stepped away from leadership. Clyburn later relinquished his own leadership position, allowing Representative Joe Neguse of Colorado to move into the role.
Despite leaving leadership, Clyburn remains one of the Democratic Party’s most influential figures, particularly in South Carolina. He is widely viewed as a political kingmaker in the state, and his endorsement of Joe Biden in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary is often credited with helping revive Biden’s campaign at a critical moment.
When asked whether his potential influence in a future presidential race played a role in his decision to run again, Clyburn dismissed the suggestion. Instead, he said his immediate focus is on upcoming elections in South Carolina, including state legislative races, constitutional offices, and the governor’s contest.
Clyburn also revealed that he recently spoke with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. According to Clyburn, Jeffries encouraged him to remain in Congress and expressed interest in having him serve as part of a leadership team if Democrats regain control of the House.
Addressing supporters, Clyburn reflected on what continues to motivate him after so many years in public service.
Referencing the Constitution’s call to build a “more perfect union,” he said the work of improving the country is ongoing.
He noted that he will turn 86 in July but said he believes he remains healthy and capable of continuing the effort. If he did not feel up to the job, he said plainly, he would not run again.
Fox News host Sean Hannity shared the news on X and people immediately reacted in a negative way.
“At 85, maybe it’s time to let someone else have a turn,” one user commented.
“Grift until the very end,” another added.
Grift until the very end.
— 🇺🇸One-Eyed Fat Man🇺🇸 (@GrittyMarshall) March 12, 2026
“Life is too good in the halls of Congress. Cannot stand the thought of being called “former” Congressman.” @stale_pale_male said.
Life is too good in the halls of Congress. Cannot stand the thought of being called "former" Congressman.
— The_Stale_Pale_Male (@stale_pale_male) March 13, 2026
“Politicians never relinquish their power,” another X user commented.
“Clear example of why we need term limits,” another one added, in line what most of the comments below the post are.
“He’ll probably be “gone” soon. This is pathetic,” @DavisDa28226311 said.
He'll probably be "gone" soon. This is pathetic
— Steve Davis (@DavisDa28226311) March 13, 2026
