South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn announced his plans to run for another term last Thursday.
At age 85, it would mark his potential 18th term in Congress, making him one of the longest-serving Congressmen. Announced at a state party headquarters in Columbia, the decision was reportedly made with the support of Clyburn’s three daughters- one of whom expressed concern with the criticism the choice might make.
With his 18th term, Clyburn could potentially serve alongside Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who could be the first Black speaker of the House. Around the election for his 16th term, Clyburn expressed a desire to campaign as long as his health allows and his family supports him.
If elected for his 18th term, he would be the longest-serving South Carolina Congressman in the House.
“I’m here today to say I do believe that I’m 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,” said Clyburn per the Associated Press. “And so I will run a very vigorous campaign.”
“I’m looking forward to the day that I can spend more time reading, writing and playing golf, and so this could very well be my last term. And it could very well not be,” he added.
Born in 1940, Clyburn began his career after earning a B.S. from South Carolina State College. After working as a teacher, employment counselor, director of community development programs and as a human affairs commissioner, he began his career in the House after winning the 1992 election for the Congressman position representing South Carolina’s Sixth District.
The win was historical, marking the first time a Black Congressman represented South Carolina since 1897. Throughout his career, Clyburn continued to make history, becoming the first southerner elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first Black Congressman elected House Majority Whip.
The announcement of his 18th term, however, comes at a time when younger voters are increasingly vocal about having younger representatives in office. As of last year, the median age of the House of Representatives is approximately 57 years, while the median age of the Senate is nearly 65 years.
In the past four years, eight members of Congress have also passed away while in office.
For his part, Clyburn has brushed away any lingering questions about his age. The election is set to be held this fall.
