Rep. Jim Clyburn Seeks Reelection At 85

[ad_1] by Sharelle B. McNair March 13, 2026

As the primary Black congressman to characterize South Carolina in roughly 100 years, Clyburn is thought for his work on civil rights points, serving as a pivotal go to chief for former President Joe Biden, who helped him win the state’s election in 2020.

After greater than 30 years in Congress, South Carolina Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn put all rumors of retirement to relaxation after his March 12 reelection announcement, HuffPost reported.

At 85 years younger, Clyburn has been serving the Palmetto State’s sixth Congressional District in Congress since 1993. His time on Capitol Hill has been nicely spent in social gathering management, serving as Majority Whip with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and former Majority Chief Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). As the primary Black congressman to characterize South Carolina in roughly 100 years, Clyburn is thought for his work on civil rights points and for serving as a pivotal go-to chief for former President Joe Biden, who helped him win the state’s 2020 election.

Throughout a press convention on the South Carolina Democratic Occasion headquarters in Columbia, Clyburn introduced that his work isn’t accomplished and that he’s searching for an 18th time period. “In a couple of minutes, I'm going to signal the paperwork that’s mandatory as a way to qualify for the Democratic nomination to run once more,” he mentioned, met with applause from attendees.

“I've served in public life all of my life.”

However on social media, completely different emotions began to flood in, projecting narratives of each ageism and reward. “I’m sick of America being a gerontocracy. Clyburn hasn’t mentored ANYONE that's able to succeeding him in 30 years?! Each Boomer Democrats AND Republicans would somewhat maintain on to energy. Serving in Congress w/ 1 foot within the grave. Age max & time period limits for elected officers,” @ABitOfKwansLife wrote on X.

I am sick of America being a gerontocracy. Clyburn hasn't mentored ANYONE that's able to succeeding him in 30 years?!

Each Boomer Democrats AND Republicans would somewhat maintain on to energy. Serving in Congress w/ 1 foot within the grave. Age max & time period limits for elected officers.

— 🪩 MADAM THIQUE & COZY 🪩 (@ABitOfKwansLife) March 12, 2026

“Black boomers hate the youthful generations and do nothing to go the torch. These congressional seats have turn out to be lifetime appointments for almost all of them,” @Stormborn_Bk mentioned.

Black boomers hate the youthful generations and do nothing to go the torch. These congressional seats have turn out to be lifetime appointments for almost all of them

— Azor Ahai of BK (@Stormborn_Bk) March 12, 2026

Nevertheless, not everybody feels that manner. Former chair of the Democratic Nationwide Committee, Jamie Harrison, got here to Clyburn’s protection. As a frequent collaborator and pal to the senior congressman, Harrison highlighted a few of the many issues Clyburn has accomplished throughout his time in workplace and why South Carolina would profit from re-electing him. “I'm one among Jim Clyburn’s constituents. My household is his constituents. This man has delivered for our communities for many years,” the At Our Desk Podcast host wrote.

“From increasing broadband entry to rural communities, to the Rural Power Financial savings Program reducing vitality payments, to the 10-20-30 initiative directing federal funding into persistently poor counties, to increasing group well being facilities in underserved areas. I don’t care how rattling outdated he's. I care whether or not he really delivers.”

🧵I'm one among Jim Clyburn’s constituents. My household are his constituents.

This man has delivered for our communities for many years.

From increasing broadband entry to rural communities, to the Rural Power Financial savings Program reducing vitality payments, to the 10-20-30 initiative… https://t.co/y1pN4NoTg5

— Jaime Harrison (@harrisonjaime) March 12, 2026

The dialog about time period limits has come up quite a few occasions, pushing again towards the variety of senior leaders who're pushing for reelection or nonetheless in workplace, like Sen. Bernie Sanders at 84 and Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 76. Clyburn has even served with Pelosi and Hoyer for nearly 20 years, in keeping with The Hill. However there may be nonetheless hope for the salt-and-pepper leaders.

Lately, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson secured the Democratic main at 78 years outdated . “Seniority is the way you get issues accomplished in Washington,” the senior congressman mentioned after his victory.