The Democratic Party may have an age problem.
Veteran Democratic lawmaker Jim Clyburn announced Thursday that he will seek an 18th two-year term representing South Carolina in the U.S. House.
Speaking at an event in Columbia, the 85-year-old congressman said he would formally file the paperwork needed to compete in the Democratic primary.
“In a few minutes, I am going to sign the paperwork that’s necessary in order to qualify for the Democratic nomination to run again,” Clyburn told supporters.
Clyburn, who was first elected to Congress in 1992, has been one of the most influential Democrats in Washington for decades and previously served as the third-ranking Democrat in the House leadership.
His decision to run again comes as a growing number of older lawmakers step aside amid calls for generational turnover following concerns about the age of national political leaders during the 2024 election cycle.
Among those stepping down are longtime House figures Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer, who both plan to retire at the end of 2026 rather than seek re-election.
Addressing questions about his age, Clyburn struck a light tone.
“I will soon celebrate the 47th anniversary of my 39th birthday,” he joked. “If I were not up to it, I would not do it. My health has been good.”
Clyburn is not alone among senior lawmakers seeking another term. Republican Hal Rogers of Kentucky, 88, and Democrat Maxine Waters of California, 87 — the two oldest current members of Congress — are also running for reelection.
Several other lawmakers in their 70s and 80s, however, have announced plans to retire when the current Congress concludes at the end of the year.
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) is running for reelection at 85, seeking his 18th term in Congress.
Term limits and voter ID both have strong public support, yet Congress still refuses to pass either.pic.twitter.com/nKGuU3VueS
— Brandon Straka #WalkAway (@BrandonStraka) March 12, 2026
Thank you for visiting