By Tashi McQueen,
AFRO Political Writer,
tmcqueen@afro.com
Longtime legislator Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.-6) announced his departure from Democratic leadership on Feb. 14.
“I have informed Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.-8) of my intention to step down as assistant democratic leader of the House Democratic Caucus. I am deeply grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me throughout my career,” said Clyburn in a news release. “I am confident that Leader Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.-5), Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33) and the entire leadership team will continue the important work of putting people over politics.’’
Throughout his 31 years in Congress, Clyburn has served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, vice chair and chair of the House Democratic Caucus and two times as both majority whip and assistant democratic leader.
Though he’s stepping down from leadership, he plans to run for re-election this year.
“South Carolina and our already-great nation, have made tremendous progress under the Biden-Harris Administration,” said Clyburn. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside my Democratic colleagues in the 118th Congress, and beyond, to regain a Democratic majority, retain our Senate majority and rally Americans to reelect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.”
Rep. Alma S. Adams (D-N.C.-12) commented on the news.
“Jim Clyburn has my respect and admiration for his incredibly successful tenure in leadership, during which he helped usher in historic legislation on healthcare, the economy, the environment, and more,” said Adams in a statement. “We’ll miss his steady hand.”
