South Carolina's most powerful Democrat is stepping down from his leadership role in the U.S. House Democratic Caucus.
But Congressman Jim Clyburn, 83, said Wednesday that he will run for reelection in 2024.
Clyburn's represented South Carolina's 6th Congressional District since 1993.
In a statement issued Feb. 14, Clyburn said he notified House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of his plans to step down as the assistant Democratic leader of the caucus. Clyburn had held that position since last year. Before GOP takeover of the House, Clyburn previously held the position of majority whip.
"I am confident that Leader Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, and the entire leadership team will continue the important work of putting people over politics," Clyburn said.
Speaking to WIS-TV, Clyburn told the station that, aside from running for reelection, he plans to get more involved in President Joe Biden's reelection campaign.
Clyburn and Biden are longtime allies.
Clyburn endorsed the then-candidate ahead of South Carolina's 2020 Democratic presidential primary, giving Biden a needed boost ahead of the state's contest. In return, Biden has consistently credited Clyburn with propelling him to the nomination. In South Carolina this month, he thanked Clyburn once again before going on to win the state's 2024 primary by more than 96% of the vote.
“I have decided going forward I must commit myself to doing the things that are necessary to maintain this country’s greatness,” Clyburn told WIS. “I am convinced that the future of our nation is in peril.”
