Rep. James Clyburn clears Democratic primary in 6th Congressional District
(WCIV) — Long-time incumbent Rep. James Clyburn advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S House District 6, beating out Frederick R. Goodwin in a landslide.
Rep James Clyburn, D-S.C., speaks during a church service attended by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, S.C., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The Associated Press called the race for Clyburn at 7:46 p.m. Tuesday.
“I am humbled and honored to receive the Democratic nomination to continue serving the people of the 6th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives,” Clyburn said in a statement following his victory. “Since the beginning of my public service career, as a public school teacher, the director of two youth community development programs, 22 years in executive service to the people of South Carolina, and for the past 34 years in the United States Congress, I have worked to make the greatness of this country accessible and affordable for all of its citizens.”
Clyburn continued: “South Carolina has made tremendous progress, but a lot still needs to be done. The current administration in Washington, the current leadership of Congress, and a majority of the Supreme Court seem to be hellbent on turning the clock back. If reelected, I promise to fight against the forces of retrogression, continue standing up for the values and interests that matter most to all South Carolinians, and continue our pursuit towards a more perfect Union.”
Already one of the longest-serving members of the U.S House of Representatives, Clyburn looks to retain his seat for an 18th term in the general election in November.
The 17-term member of Congress was first elected to his seat in 1992. Questions surrounding his election loomed large in the lead-up to the statewide primary, as Republicans, at the behest of President Donald Trump, looked to draw him out of the 6th Congressional District.
Ultimately, the redistricting effort was rebuffed by the South Carolina Senate, clearing the way for Clyburn to seek reelection. During Clyburn’s reelection campaign announcement, he acknowledged the need for younger leadership in the Democratic Party, but also said there remains unfinished work in the legislative body that has defined his political career.
“This could very well be my last term,” he said in March. “This could very well not be.”
