Rep. Jim Clyburn Announces Bid for 18th Term Amid Broader Congressional Races and Leadership Changes

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat, has decided to seek re-election for an 18th term in the House of Representatives. Clyburn, who will turn 86 this summer, stated that his parents instilled in him the obligation to carry it forward when asked what keeps him going.

U.S. House from South Carolina, having served for 33 years. Clyburn met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a campus organizer in the 1960s and met his late wife Emily while protesting for civil rights during that era.

He is the ninth Black man to represent South Carolina in the House. Earlier this month, Clyburn visited South Carolina State University, a historically Black university, where he shared advice with students: 'When you think about leadership, being someone's representative, make an early decision as to what you want to do in that representation. Do you want to make headlines?

In a recent interview, Clyburn addressed civil rights issues, stating, 'I don't think the American people are doing enough' regarding protests on those matters. He added, 'I'm not gonna allow this to be a Democrat versus a Republican thing. That is not policy and politics; that is what we as Americans ought to be about.

And do we follow through enough? I don't know that you can really know that, until the final verdict is in. Clyburn said civil rights fights from the 1960s 'did end. Clyburn expects that President Trump will not respect the November election result unless it is overwhelming.

He stated, 'I absolutely believe that, because he's done it [before]. The best way to tell what a person will do is to look at what he or she has done. Reflecting on the 2020 election, former President Joe Biden contended that receiving Clyburn's endorsement was crucial to his victory.

Clyburn replied, 'That might be true. He says it's true! C. However, he added, 'I think some decisions were made after that which were not good decisions.

After Biden dropped out, Clyburn received phone calls from people in Michigan and Pennsylvania asking to turn out the vote. Clyburn continued, 'Now, that's a fact. Now, a lot of people don't want to deal with that.

But I was getting the phone calls. There are a dozen members of Congress who are 80 or older and seeking re-election this year. Separately, Georgia Democratic Rep. David Scott, aged 80, has died. Scott was the first Black chair of the House Agriculture Committee.

In Georgia's 9th District, Sam Couvillon and Joel Poole are challenging incumbent Rep. Andrew Clyde in the May 19 primary. Early voting for the Georgia 9th District primary begins on April 27. Clyde took over the Georgia 9th District seat in 2021.

Republicans have held Georgia's 9th District seat since 2000, according to Ballotpedia. Couvillon, who previously served as mayor of Gainesville, said local leaders told him Clyde is not responsive to their needs. Couvillon said Clyde will not participate in congressionally directed spending.

Couvillon said he would focus on bringing more federally appropriated funds to the 9th district. He said he would advocate for making healthcare more affordable and reducing premiums for district residents. Couvillon criticized the Affordable Care Act for raising premiums.

Couvillon advocated targeting federal programs that experience fraud, waste, and abuse. He said issues of fraud in Minnesota and other parts of the country are a large concern for him. Couvillon stated, 'Before we start trying to raise taxes on people, let’s make some cuts.

Andrew Clyde did not respond to The Center Square’s request for an interview. According to his campaign website, Clyde has focused on eliminating federal agencies such as the Department of Education and on dramatically reducing taxes. Clyde called for eliminating taxes on the production of goods and dismantling the IRS.

Joel Poole did not respond to a request from The Center Square for an interview. Poole is focusing his campaign on eliminating waste and reducing tax hikes, according to his website. Nick Alex and Caitlyn Gegan are two Democrats hoping to challenge the Republican candidate in November for Georgia's 9th District.

Alex said he would sponsor funding for the Social Security Administration if elected. He said he would increase access to rural healthcare if elected. Alex said he would raise the minimum wage if elected.

He wrote, 'We need policies that lift people up, not push them further behind. Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers’ term as the lead Republican on the House Armed Services Committee expires in January. Rep. Trent Kelly of Mississippi and Rep.

The Atlantic Council held the 2026 Distinguished Leadership Awards.

Clyburn has published 'The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation' by Little, Brown & Co. in hardcover, eBook, and audio formats. org.