Jim Clyburn defies generational revolt, seeks another term in Congress at 85 years old

Axios
by Andrew Solender
March 12, 2026
2 min read

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Rep. Jim Clyburn, 85, will seek another term in Congress, defying a generational revolt.

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Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), 85, announced Thursday he will seek another term in Congress, despite a trend of other older House Democrats retiring. If reelected, Clyburn would be the third-oldest member of Congress, behind Reps. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), 88, and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), 87. Clyburn stated he had a "long talk" with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who asked him to stay and expressed interest in Clyburn being part of his leadership if Democrats regain the House. Clyburn, first elected in 1992, is considered a prominent Black political leader and served as Pelosi's third-in-command for over 15 years. He will sign paperwork to qualify for the Democratic nomination.

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Rep. Jim Clyburn will sign paperwork to qualify for the Democratic nomination for Congress.

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