By Skylar Laird
U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn announced Wednesday he’s stepping down from his leadership role among House Democrats as he seeks a 17th term.
The 83-year-old congressman has been in various leadership positions in the House Democratic Caucus, most recently as assistant Democratic leader to Hakeem Jeffries of New York. He was previously the No. 3 Democrat in the House when Nancy Pelosi of California led the caucus, including her tenure as House speaker.
Clyburn, whose 6th District stretches from Charleston to Columbia, plans to take a more active role in President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign this year. The details of what role Clyburn will play are not yet clear, said his spokesperson, Kennedy Anderson.
Clyburn’s endorsement ahead of South Carolina’s presidential primary in 2020 is widely credited for turning around Biden’s flagging campaign and catapulting him to the White House. Biden himself thanked him publicly repeatedly over the last month as his campaign sought to energize Black voters to do it again.
“South Carolina, and our already-great nation, have made tremendous progress under the Biden-(Kamala) Harris administration,” Clyburn said in a statement.
But he has no plans to leave the seat he’s held since 1994. Clyburn is South Carolina’s longest-serving congressman and only Democrat in the delegation.
His objective following the leadership changes after the November 2022 election has been to be a mentor to Jeffries, and Clyburn feels he’s accomplished that goal, she said.
Tuesday night’s victories for Democratic candidates in special House elections in New York and Pennsylvania cemented that decision, according to Clyburn’s statement.
“I feel compelled to expand my efforts to maintain America’s greatness and make that greatness accessible and affordable for all Americans,” his statement read. “That has always been my life’s mission and I am proud of my efforts in that regard.”
Skylar Laird covers the South Carolina Legislature and criminal justice issues. Originally from Missouri, she previously worked for The Post and Courier’s Columbia bureau.
