Clyburn, James E.

James Clyburn represents South Carolina's 6th congressional district, a position he has held since 1993. As the dean of the South Carolina delegation and the state's only Democratic representative, he serves a district that encompasses major portions of the Black Belt, including parts of Columbia and Charleston. Before entering Congress, Clyburn was a pivotal figure in South Carolina state government, serving as the first nonwhite advisor to a governor and later as the Commissioner of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission for nearly two decades.

In the House of Representatives, Clyburn holds a seat on the powerful Committee on Appropriations. He serves on subcommittees dedicated to Energy and Water Development as well as Interior and Environment. He also holds the position of Ranking Member for the subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. His legislative priorities often center on civil rights and social equity, evidenced by his sponsorship of the Voter Empowerment Act and the Enhanced Background Checks Act.

Clyburn is widely recognized for his significant leadership roles within the Democratic Caucus. He served as the House Majority Whip during two separate periods of Democratic control and has also held the role of Assistant Democratic Leader. Beyond his work within the chamber, he is noted for his influential role in national politics, particularly for his 2020 endorsement of Joe Biden, which is credited with shifting the momentum of the presidential primary. Throughout his career, he has remained a central figure in balancing legislative strategy with advocacy for his constituents.