- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Veteran Democrat Jim Clyburn to Run for 18th Term in Congress
The 85-year-old South Carolina representative is one of the longest-serving Democrats in Washington.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:51pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, a prominent Democrat from South Carolina, has announced that he will run for an 18th term in the House of Representatives. At 85 years old, Clyburn is one of the oldest Democrats serving in Congress, and the only member of the previous Democratic leadership team who plans to remain in office. Clyburn's decision to run again could position him as an influential elder statesman if his party regains control of the House in the upcoming November elections.
Why it matters
Clyburn's continued presence in Congress could provide stability and experience for the Democratic party, especially if the party wins back the House majority. As one of the longest-serving Black lawmakers in the House, Clyburn's reelection could also be seen as an important symbolic victory for representation in Congress.
The details
Clyburn, who has served in the House since 1992, said he plans to run for an 18th term despite being 85 years old. He previously served as majority whip and assistant Democratic leader. Clyburn's reelection could allow him to serve alongside the first Black speaker of the House, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, if Democrats regain control of the chamber. Clyburn won his 2024 reelection by over 20 percentage points in a district that covers central and eastern South Carolina.
- Clyburn first elected to the House in 1992.
- Clyburn won reelection in 2024 by over 20 percentage points.
- Filing for the 2026 election in South Carolina opens on March 12, 2026 and closes 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 and is one of the longest-serving Democrats in Congress.
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.
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
What’s next
Filing for the 2026 election in South Carolina opens on March 12, 2026 and closes on March 30, 2026. South Carolina's primary elections will be held on June 9, 2026.
The takeaway
Clyburn's decision to run for an 18th term in Congress demonstrates the Democratic party's desire to maintain experienced leadership, even among its oldest members. His continued presence could provide stability and influence for the party, especially if they regain control of the House in the upcoming elections.
