Rep. Jim Clyburn, 85-year-old South Carolina Democrat, running for reelection

[BumRushDaShow]

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/

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His daughter Mignon used to be a FCC Commissioner. She needs to just nudge him aside and run. She's 63 years old.

[Metaphorical]

1. I have nothing but respect for Jim Clyburn

However, I think it's time to pass the torch.

I am in my sixties and not in great health; I think the likelihood of me reaching 80 is slim. My parents and inlaws are in their eighties. They are still vivacious, but they are all becoming physically frail and struggle mentally to adapt to an increasingly dynamic world.

At a certain point in your life, I think it's necessary to ask yourself whether you are doing something because you are the best person to do it or because you cannot get past your ego saying you're the only one who can do it. A few years back, I shifted gears, moving away from day-to-day activity toward instead mentoring others, preparing the next generation to take the reins. You HAVE to do this, because one day you will no longer be able to do it, and if the work is significant enough, you need to make sure that the work can survive your passing.

[Srkdqltr]

2. Im 84. I have always thought the older folks need to move on at a point so that younger people can move up.

They are all wonderful and necessary, but they need to retire. There should be a role for them in government as consultant but not as senators or representatives.

[Torchlight]

5. What arbitrary age limit would you set?

And upon what is that limit based on?

[Skittles]

13. careful

we're not really allowed to express that sentiment lest we be accused of AGEISM

[AverageOldGuy]

14. I'll answer

No one should serve in Congress, the Executive Branch, or on the Courts beyond 77-78.

I'm 81, wife is 83. We do not make any decisions costing more than $50 without consulting our son, or lawyer daughter -- we almost got burned a year ago. And we are much sharper than all our friends our age.

[Smilo]

3. Noooo. Pass the torch.

In 2023, ProPublica reported that Clyburn secretly worked with South Carolina Republicans during the 2020 Congressional redistricting process to dilute the state's Black vote.[25] The resulting Congressional map made Democrats "have virtually no shot of winning any congressional seat in South Carolina other than Clyburn’s."
"How Rep. James Clyburn Protected His District at a Cost to Black Democrats". ProPublica. Retrieved May 9, 2023.

In 2024, Clyburn said he would support President Joe Biden pardoning Donald Trump for Trump's felony indictments.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Clyburn

[SorellaLaBefana]

7. Interesting. Even more than his age

Thank you for this link

[Icanthinkformyself]

4. At 74

I'm in good health both mentally and physically. I retired at 73. I know I can do more. But, younger people deserve the opportunity I had. It's time, Jim. Step aside, Retire.

[SorellaLaBefana]

6. I wish him well. Yet, one reason we are in current mess is that too many chose to die with the torch in their hands...

... rather than be willing pass it to a new generation.

To me it seems that, unlike George Washington, way too many find it impossible to let go of power once they have achieved it.

[cstanleytech]

8. I'd rather he pass the torch and help find a good replacement who he can help mentor.

[maxsolomon]

9. Ego.

Clyburn can't see how anyone else could do the job, but if he intends to die in office, it probably will work out.

Just like a certain former Senator from California.

[denvine]

10. Is there any chance he could have a Primary challenge?

[twodogsbarking]

11. We need more youts.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=740538907738080

[Skittles]

16. I won't click on FB

but - is it from My Cousin Vinny?

[twodogsbarking]

17. yes . My FB is a fictitious name. I shy from most social media sites. Can't blame you.

[Skittles]

18. I LOVE the judge's expression in that scene

What is a UTE?

[Talitha]

12. Let the voters decide.

[SCantiGOP]

15. Voters won't have a chance

There will be no opposition in the primary, or at least nothing significant, and then he will
win the general election by the same margin the 6 Repubs win, about 55-45.
We need non-partisan districting procedures that result in competitive districts.