Rep. Jim Clyburn, 85-year-old South Carolina Democrat, running for reelection [View all]

Source: CBS News

Updated on: March 12, 2026 / 11:07 AM EDT


Washington — Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina announced Thursday he will seek an 18th term in Congress, making him the last of his generation of House Democratic leaders still on the ballot.

Clyburn, who is 85 years old, made the announcement at an event with supporters at the South Carolina Democratic Party headquarters in Columbia, saying he would be signing the paperwork needed to run and would mount a "very vigorous campaign."

"Today I'm going to answer a question that's always asked: What is there unfinished or what more do you need to do? Well, it's in the preamble of our Constitution: We exist in pursuit of a more perfect union," he said. "And I'm here today to say I do believe that I am very well-equipped — and healthy enough — to move into the next term, trying to do the things that are necessary to continue that pursuit of perfection."

Clyburn noted his age, and said, "If I were not up to it, I would not do it. But in response to some extensive surveys, some intense consultations with my three daughters, they finally got to a unanimous opinion that I should be here today and make this announcement."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jim-clyburn-reelection-announcement-2026/