History of Jim Clyburn in Timeline

James Enos Clyburn is a U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 6th congressional district, serving since 1992. His district encompasses a majority-black population around Columbia and Charleston, and most of South Carolina's Black Belt. He is currently serving his 17th term in the House of Representatives. Since 2021, he is also the only Democrat in South Carolina's congressional delegation. Clyburn is also the dean of South Carolina's congressional delegation since 2011.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

July 21, 1940: James Enos Clyburn Born

On July 21, 1940, James Enos Clyburn was born. He is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. representative for South Carolina's 6th congressional district.

1961: Married Emily England

In 1961, Clyburn married Emily England Clyburn.

1965: First Democrat since 1965

In 1965, it was the last time before Clyburn's victory that a Democrat represented a significant portion of Columbia.

1965: Voting Rights Act

In 1965, prior to the Voting Rights Act, racial discrimination led to the redrawing of South Carolina's district lines after the 1990 census.

1968: Orangeburg Massacre

In 1968, the Orangeburg massacre occurred, where police killed three protesting students at South Carolina State. Following this event, Jim Clyburn was appointed by Governor West as the Commissioner of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.

1969: Involvement in Charleston Hospital Strike and St. Julian Devine's Campaign

In 1969, Jim Clyburn became involved in politics during the Charleston hospital strike. He assisted in settling the protests at the Medical University of South Carolina and then became involved in St. Julian Devine's campaign for Charleston city council, creating the slogan "Devine for Ward Nine". Devine's victory marked the first African American on the council since Reconstruction, and Clyburn credited the campaign as his entry into electoral politics.

1970: Kent State and Jackson State Shootings

In 1970, student protesters were killed during the Kent State shootings by the National Guard and the Jackson State killings by police and state highway patrol. These events predated Jim Clyburn's appointment as Commissioner of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.

1971: Advisor to Governor John C. West

In 1971, Jim Clyburn joined the staff of Governor John C. West in Columbia as his advisor, becoming the first nonwhite advisor to a governor in South Carolina history. This appointment followed Clyburn's response to his loss in the South Carolina General Assembly race.

1981: First Democrat since 1981

In 1981, it was the last time before Clyburn's victory that a Democrat represented a significant portion of Charleston.

1988: Remarks about Obama winning

In 1988, Bill Clinton compared Obama's victory to Jesse Jackson's win in the primary.

1990: South Carolina's District Lines Redrawn

In 1990, after the census, South Carolina's district lines were redrawn. Due to prior racial discrimination, the Supreme Court mandated the 6th district to be reconfigured as a black-majority district. Robin Tallon retired and five African American candidates ran for the Democratic nomination.

1992: Commissioner of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission

In 1992, Jim Clyburn stepped down as the Commissioner of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission to run for Congress, a position he had held since being appointed by Governor West.

1992: First Election to Congress

In 1992, Jim Clyburn was first elected as the U.S. representative for South Carolina's 6th congressional district.

1996: Voted in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act

In 1996, Clyburn voted in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act, which restricted federal recognition of marriage to heterosexual unions and allowed states to deny recognition of same-sex marriages.

December 19, 1998: Voted against Impeachment Articles

On December 19, 1998, Clyburn voted against all four articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton.

2003: Vice-Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus

In 2003, Jim Clyburn was elected vice-chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, the caucus's third-ranking post.

2004: Supported John Kerry

During the 2004 Democratic presidential primaries, Clyburn supported Dick Gephardt until he dropped out of the race and then supported John Kerry. Clyburn was also one of the 31 who voted in the House not to count Ohio's electoral votes in the 2004 presidential election amid a dispute over irregularities.

2004: Voted Against Counting Ohio's Electoral Votes

In 2004, Jim Clyburn was one of 31 House Democrats who voted not to count Ohio's 20 electoral votes in the presidential election, which George W. Bush won by 118,457 votes in Ohio.

2006: Chair of the House Democratic Caucus

In early 2006, Jim Clyburn became chair of the House Democratic Caucus after Bob Menendez was appointed to the Senate. Following the Democrats winning control of the House in the 2006 election, Clyburn was unanimously elected Majority Whip in the 110th Congress.

January 12, 2007: Interview on National Public Radio

On January 12, 2007, Jim Clyburn was interviewed by National Public Radio's Morning Edition and discussed the challenges of counting votes and rallying the Democratic caucus as the party held the House majority.

July 31, 2007: Interview on Iraq War Funding

On July 31, 2007, Jim Clyburn stated in a broadcast interview that a positive report from General David Petraeus could create a "real big problem" for the Democratic Party, potentially splitting the caucus on funding the Iraq War.

2007: House Democratic Leadership Role

In 2007, Jim Clyburn became the third-ranking House Democrat, serving as majority whip behind Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer when the Democrats controlled the House.

2007: Ranked as Liberal U.S. Representative

In 2007, the National Journal ranked Jim Clyburn as the 77th most liberal U.S. representative, with a score of 81. This indicated that his voting record was more liberal than 81% of other House members.

2008: Neutrality in 2008 Primary

In 2008, Clyburn remained officially neutral during the primary battle between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, but voted for Obama. Former President Bill Clinton blamed Clyburn for Hillary's defeat in South Carolina, leading to a heated exchange. Clyburn defended his vote for Obama, citing the importance of setting an example for future generations and criticizing Bill Clinton's remarks regarding Obama's win.

2008: Vote for Obama in South Carolina Primary

In 2008, Clyburn remained publicly uncommitted during the presidential primary elections but voted for Obama in the South Carolina primary. Bill Clinton accused Clyburn of being responsible for Hillary's defeat in South Carolina, while Clyburn criticized Bill Clinton's comments on race. Clyburn endorsed Obama on June 3.

2008: Defeated Nancy Harrelson

In 2008, Jim Clyburn defeated Nancy Harrelson, winning 68% of the vote to her 32%.

2009: Introduced the Access for All Americans Act

In 2009, Jim Clyburn introduced the Access for All Americans Act, seeking $26 billion to quadruple the number of community health centers in the U.S. that provide medical care to uninsured and low-income citizens.

2010: Defeated Jim Pratt

In 2010, Jim Clyburn defeated Jim Pratt, winning 65% of the vote to Pratt's 34%.

2010: Pushed for Nuclear Fuel Contract

In 2010, Jim Clyburn pushed for a contract to convert plutonium from old weapons into nuclear fuel.

2010: Challenge for Minority Whip

In 2010, after the Democrats lost their House majority, Jim Clyburn challenged Steny Hoyer for Minority Whip. Ultimately, a deal was reached where Hoyer remained Minority Whip, and a new Assistant Leader position was created for Clyburn.

2010: District Lines Redrawn After 2010 Census

In 2010, following the census, South Carolina's 6th congressional district was reconfigured, expanding south to include the majority-black precincts near Beaufort and Hilton Head Island while losing its portion of the Pee Dee.

2011: House Assistant Democratic Leader

In 2011, Jim Clyburn became House assistant Democratic leader behind Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer, during a period of Republican control.

2011: Dean of the Delegation

In 2011, Jim Clyburn became the dean of South Carolina's congressional delegation after John Spratt lost his re-election bid.

2012: Supported same-sex marriage

In 2012, Clyburn publicly supported same-sex marriage after Obama's endorsement, stating that he had "evolved" from his previous disapproval rooted in his Christian faith. He advocated for nationwide legislation of marriage equality.

2012: Defeated Anthony Culler

In 2012, Jim Clyburn defeated Anthony Culler, winning 73% of the vote to Culler's 25%.

2014: Rating from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

In 2014, Jim Clyburn received a rating of zero from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Clyburn endorsed Hillary Clinton in the presidential campaign.

January 2017: Vote on UN Resolution Condemning Israeli Settlements

In January 2017, Clyburn voted against a House resolution condemning the UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which criticized Israeli settlement building. He voted to provide Israel with support following October 7 attacks.

November 28, 2018: Elected House Majority Whip

On November 28, 2018, Jim Clyburn was elected to serve his second stint as House Majority Whip.

2018: Democrats Take Control of the House

In 2018, during the midterm elections, the Democrats took control of the House of Representatives, leading to Jim Clyburn's re-election as majority whip in January 2019.

January 2019: Reelected House Majority Whip

In January 2019, after the Democrats gained control of the House in the 2018 midterm elections, Jim Clyburn was reelected as House Majority Whip alongside Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer.

December 18, 2019: Voted for Impeachment Articles Against Trump

On December 18, 2019, Clyburn voted for both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

2019: Death of Emily England Clyburn

In 2019, Emily England Clyburn, Jim Clyburn's wife, passed away.

February 26, 2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden

On February 26, 2020, Clyburn's endorsement of Joe Biden was pivotal in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, changing the trajectory of the race due to his influence over African-American voters in South Carolina.

2020: Comments on Buttigieg's sexual orientation

During the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, Clyburn cited Pete Buttigieg's sexual orientation as a potential issue, suggesting it could hurt his popularity. His comments sparked controversy and were dismissed by Kamala Harris.

2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden

In 2020, Jim Clyburn played a pivotal role in the presidential election by endorsing Joe Biden three days before the South Carolina Democratic primary. This endorsement transformed Biden's campaign, leading to his nomination and eventual presidency.

2020: Congressional Redistricting Process

In 2020, during the Congressional redistricting process, it was reported that Jim Clyburn secretly worked with South Carolina Republicans to dilute the state's Black vote.

January 13, 2021: Voted for Impeachment After Capitol Attack

On January 13, 2021, one week after the January 6 United States Capitol attack, Clyburn voted for the single article of impeachment against Trump.

2021: Only Democrat in South Carolina's Congressional Delegation

In 2021, upon Joe Cunningham's departure, Jim Clyburn became the only Democrat in South Carolina's congressional delegation.

2022: Previous Opponents

In 2022, Duke Buckner and Gregg Marcel Dixon ran against Jim Clyburn.

2022: House Assistant Democratic Leader

In 2022, after Republicans gained control of the House and Nancy Pelosi retired as leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Jim Clyburn successfully sought the position of House Assistant Democratic Leader.

2022: NAACP Challenges South Carolina's Redistricting

In 2022, the NAACP challenged South Carolina's redistricting as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, alleging that Republicans deliberately moved Black voters into Clyburn’s district.

October 11, 2023: NAACP Case Argued in Supreme Court

On October 11, 2023, the NAACP case, filed as Alexander v. South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP, which challenged South Carolina's redistricting, was argued in the Supreme Court.

2023: End of Term as House Democratic Leader

In 2023, Jim Clyburn's term as the third-ranking House Democrat ended. He had served as majority whip behind Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer during periods of Democratic House control.

March 2024: Re-election Announcement

In March 2024, Jim Clyburn announced his intention to run for re-election. Duke Buckner and Gregg Marcel Dixon also ran for the seat.

November 2024: Won Re-election

In November 2024, Jim Clyburn won re-election with 59.5% of the vote.

2024: Support for potential Trump pardon

In 2024, Clyburn expressed his support for President Joe Biden potentially pardoning Donald Trump for his felony indictments.

2024: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2024, Clyburn was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden.

2024: House Assistant Democratic Leader

In 2024, Jim Clyburn served as House assistant Democratic leader.

2024: Support for Biden and Harris in 2024 Election

In 2024, amidst calls for Biden to withdraw from his 2024 presidential campaign, Clyburn stated his support for Biden, but also that he would back Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate if Biden were to withdraw, which eventually came to happen.