Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) made headlines on Wednesday by announcing his decision to step down from his role as assistant House Democratic leader after serving for a little over a year.
His departure holds significance as Clyburn was the last remaining member of the troika, alongside former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), to retain a leadership position within the House.
Jim Clyburn has announced stepping down from his House Democratic leadership role. https://t.co/FrBfXHta62
— Axios (@axios) February 14, 2024
In his statement, Clyburn conveyed his trust in House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and the emerging cadre of Democratic leaders.
He expressed confidence that they will uphold the crucial task of prioritizing the welfare of the American people over political considerations.
“I have informed Leader Hakeem Jeffries of my intention to step down as Assistant Democratic Leader of the House Democratic Caucus," Clyburn wrote.
"I am deeply grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me throughout my career, especially as Co-President of my Freshman Class, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Vice Chair and Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and twice as Majority Whip and Assistant Democratic Leader. 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," he added.
Despite his decision to step down from his leadership position, the 83-year-old former majority whip affirmed his intention to seek reelection to his House seat representing Charleston in the upcoming November elections.
Jeffries emphasized Clyburn's enduring significance within the House Democratic Caucus, irrespective of any formal title he may hold.
Clyburn's elevation to the assistant leader position came after Pelosi and Hoyer opted to step down from their leadership roles following the 2022 election.
Jeffries assumed the leadership mantle, accompanied by Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) as minority whip and Pete Aguilar (D-CA) as Democratic Caucus chair.
Prior to the leadership election, Clyburn had conveyed to Jeffries his willingness to continue offering support at the leadership level while expressing a preference not to occupy one of the top three leadership positions.
Looking ahead, Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO), chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, has emerged as a potential contender for the assistant leader position, according to sources familiar with discussions within Democratic leadership circles.
Decisions are likely to be made within the next month as Democrats seek to appear unified headed into the key stretch of the presidential election year.
