Long-serving Democrat Jim Clyburn to run for 18th term in Congress

The 85-year-old South Carolina representative could become the state's longest-serving House member.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, the dean of South Carolina's Democrats, announced he will run for an 18th term in the House of Representatives. At 85, Clyburn is among the oldest Democrats serving in Washington and the only member of the last Democratic leadership team who is seeking reelection. Clyburn's continued presence in Congress could position him as an influential elder statesman if his party regains the majority in November.

Why it matters

Clyburn's decision to run for another term comes as other long-serving Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer plan to retire. His continued service could provide stability and experience for the party, especially if he has the chance to serve alongside the first Black speaker of the House, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.

The details

Clyburn has represented South Carolina's 6th congressional district since 1992. He previously served as majority whip and assistant Democratic leader in the House. If elected to an 18th term, Clyburn would become the longest-serving South Carolinian ever in the U.S. House, surpassing the tenures of Republican Strom Thurmond and Democrat Fritz Hollings in the Senate.

  • Clyburn announced his bid for reelection on March 12, 2026.
  • South Carolina's filing period for the 2026 elections opens on March 30, 2026.
  • South Carolina's primary elections will be held on June 9, 2026.

The players

Jim Clyburn

An 85-year-old Democratic U.S. Representative from South Carolina who has served in the House since 1992.

Nancy Pelosi

The former Democratic Speaker of the House who plans to retire at the end of her current term.

Steny Hoyer

The former Democratic Majority Leader in the House who also plans to retire at the end of his current term.

Hakeem Jeffries

A Democratic U.S. Representative from New York who is in line to become the first Black speaker of the House if Democrats regain control of the chamber.

Strom Thurmond

A former Republican U.S. Senator from South Carolina who served for 48 years, the longest tenure of any South Carolinian in Congress.

Fritz Hollings

A former Democratic U.S. Senator from South Carolina who served for nearly 39 years, the second-longest tenure of any South Carolinian in Congress.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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. And so far, they're telling me, from what they feel and hear, I should keep going.”

— Jim Clyburn, U.S. Representative

What’s next

Filing for election in this year's elections in South Carolina opens on March 30, 2026, and the state's primary elections will be held on June 9, 2026.

The takeaway

Clyburn's decision to run for an 18th term in Congress comes as other long-serving Democratic leaders are retiring, potentially positioning him as an influential elder statesman in the party if it regains control of the House. His continued service could provide stability and experience, especially if he has the chance to serve alongside the first Black speaker of the House.