South Carolina's most influential Democrat says he's focused on winning reelection in November. He's also focused on another Democrat's political bid: President Joe Biden.
Speaking to an audience Monday that included Democratic Party activists, state lawmakers and other notable South Carolinians, Clyburn for roughly an hour outlined how the Biden administration's policies have impacted South Carolina.
"I want all of us to remember the power of one vote," Clyburn told the crowd.
The audience packed into the Waverly-Clyburn Building Auditorium on the Allen University campus in Columbia likely didn't need swaying to back Biden over former President Donald Trump in November.
But, over the last few months, Clyburn has used his remarks to often outline all the legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by Biden, believing that too many voters are unaware of the successes, he says, the president has had.
Clyburn said he often tells younger voters to "be careful when you go to vote, be selfish, (and) think about where you want to be, and which one of these people offers you the best opportunity to get there."
Longtime allies, Clyburn stepped down from House leadership Feb. 14 to help the president's reelection campaign.
At the time, the congressman said in a statement, "I am confident that Leader Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, and the entire leadership team will continue the important work of putting people over politics."
Clyburn is largely credited with helping to propel Biden to the nomination.
Falling short in early-voting states Iowa and New Hampshire, Clyburn endorsed Biden days ahead of South Carolina's first-in-the-South 2020 Democratic presidential primary. In return, Biden has continued to thank Clyburn for his support. Biden won the state's largely uncontested Democratic primary in February with more than 96% of the vote.
Meanwhile, Clyburn also filed for reelection Monday.
The 83-year-old, who has represented the 6th Congressional District since 1993, is seeking a 17th term in the U.S. House.
Clyburn last won reelection in 2022, defeating Republican Duke Buckner with about 62% of the vote. The latest federal fundraising report shows Clyburn with more than $2 million cash on hand.
As of Monday afternoon, no Democrat had filed to challenge Clyburn in the June 11 primary.
Two Republicans, Buckner and Justin Scott, filed to challenge Clyburn in November. Gregg Marcel Dixon, who unsuccessfully primary challenged Clyburn two years ago, filed to run as a United Citizens candidate.
Clyburn on Monday declined to detail his plans past a 17th term in Congress.
Speaking to reporters, Clyburn said he's focused on ensuring Biden wins reelection in November and making the next two years a "good term."
But, next year this time, Clyburn said he'll start thinking about what he'll do after that.
"But right now," Clyburn added, "we're going to take it one term at a time."
