Veteran South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn says he plans to seek another term in the U.S. House, announcing that he will run for reelection in 2026 as he continues a career that has made him one of the most influential Democrats in Washington.

Clyburn, 85, confirmed Thursday (March 12) that he intends to campaign for an 18th term in Congress, according to The Associated Press.

“I’m here today to say I do believe that I'm very well equipped and healthy enough to move into the next term,” Clyburn said during remarks at South Carolina Democratic Party headquarters in Columbia. “And so I will run a very vigorous campaign.”

First elected in 1992, Clyburn represents South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District, which stretches from the state capital of Columbia through rural counties in the central and eastern parts of the state and down toward Charleston.

Over the past three decades, he has become a central figure in Democratic politics. Clyburn previously served as House majority whip and later as assistant Democratic leader, making him for many years the highest-ranking Black lawmaker in the House of Representatives.

If reelected, Clyburn could play an important role in the next Congress — especially if Democrats regain control of the House in the 2026 midterm elections.

Hakeem Jeffries, who currently leads House Democrats, is widely expected to become the next Speaker if the party wins the majority. Clyburn said the two recently discussed the possibility of him continuing to serve in a leadership or advisory role.

“He expressed an interest in my being a part of his leadership, if we were to take the House back,” Clyburn said, per The AP. “It made me feel necessary.”

Clyburn’s decision comes at a time when some Democrats have called for younger leaders to step forward following recent political setbacks for the party. Still, the longtime lawmaker said he ultimately decided to run again after discussions with his family and constituents.

The congressman also said he has heard strong encouragement from voters in his district who want him to continue serving.

“We don't listen to them people up there,” Clyburn recalled, per The AP, one supporter telling him. “You should listen to the people down here, and we don't want you to leave.”

Clyburn won his most recent election in 2024 by more than 20 percentage points, maintaining a strong base of support in the majority-Black district.

If he completes another term, Clyburn would become the longest-serving member of the U.S. House from South Carolina, a milestone that would further cement his legacy as one of the state’s most influential political figures.

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