(NewsInsights.org) – With the advent of the 118th Congress in January 2023, Democratic House Leaders Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and Jim Clyburn (D-SC) passed the torch to a new generation. Pelosi and Hoyer stepped away from leadership except as revered consultants in the shadows but continued to serve their constituents. Clyburn relinquished his position as the Democratic whip but opted to continue in caucus leadership in the newly created position of assistant Democratic leader. On Wednesday, February 14, the elder statesman announced he would step down from that position to assist President Joe Biden’s reelection efforts.
In a statement, Clyburn, 83, affirmed he would seek reelection to continue serving his South Carolina constituents. His support in that battleground state was crucial for Biden in winning the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination and, ultimately, the general election. Political strategists hope Clyburn can consolidate the Black vote and garner more Democratic votes in South Carolina.
While I will run for re-election for South Carolina’s Sixth Congressional District, I have informed Leader Hakeem Jeffries of my intention to step down as Assistant Democratic Leader of the House Democratic Caucus.
Read my full statement here: https://t.co/jqDYASHlSa
— James E. Clyburn (@RepJamesClyburn) February 14, 2024
Clyburn expressed his confidence in the House leadership team, saying, “The entire leadership team will continue the important work of putting people over politics,” according to POLITICO. Clyburn and Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) had initially vied for the assistant House Democratic leader position, but Cicilline withdrew. The departure could prompt competition for the position. Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO), a Clyburn protégé, has already launched a bid for the position once the venerable South Carolina representative officially vacates it.
Meanwhile, Clyburn will begin transitioning from his House leadership role toward an even more active role as a Biden surrogate, according to his political advisor, Antjuan Seawright. In an exclusive with Time magazine, Seawright explained Clyburn would work to validate Biden and his agenda to voters throughout the deep South and provide the campaign counsel and advice.
For example, Clyburn was vocal that Biden and the campaign needed to confront low poll numbers with a comprehensive list of administration accomplishments. He’s also offered controversial advice that the campaign needed to exert more outreach to voters traditionally supportive of former President Donald Trump to engage them in dialog and listen to their concerns.
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