U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, dean of South Carolina’s congressional delegation, will seek another term in Congress.
The Sumter Democrat announced his decision at the South Carolina Democratic Party headquarters in Columbia.
“Earlier today, I signed paperwork — which will be filed on Monday — to seek the Democratic nomination for reelection to the United States House of Representatives. My vision for South Carolina remains, what it always has been, to do my best to make America’s greatness accessible and affordable for all,” he said. “As your Congressman, I promise to continue fighting to make healthcare, education, energy, housing and other necessities, including high-speed broadband, accessible and affordable for the people of the 6 Congressional District and South Carolina. Protecting Social Security and Medicare for our seniors, providing sustenance and shelter for our vulnerable, and pursuing greater opportunities for our children will always be the foundations of my public service.”
Clyburn is currently the only candidate filed in South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District. The 85-year-old first won election to Congress in 1992 and has since held leadership positions, including Assistant Democratic Leader and House Majority Whip. He had been engaged in South Carolina politics decades before that, including serving on the staff for Gov. John West in 1971.
He stepped down from leadership in 2024, around the same time former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer moved aside to make way for a new generation of House leadership in the caucus led by now-House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Of note, both Pelosi and Hoyer announced they will not seek re-election to their seats in the U.S. House this term, and there had been speculation Clyburn would follow suit. But he made clear he intends to stay in office as long as he feels up to the task. He is currently the 13th most senior member of the U.S. House, and will go up on that list should he win re-election to another term.
