Congressman James Clyburn

On November 16th, 2006, the House Democratic Caucus unanimously elected Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina Majority Whip, a position he continues to hold in the 111th Congress. This was a historic day for House Democrats, having just won back the majority for the first time in twelve years. It was also historic for Jim Clyburn, who became the first South Carolinian and the second African American to ascend to the third ranking position in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congressman Clyburn began his steady climb on Capitol Hill winning election as co-President of his freshman class. Six years later, he was unanimously elected Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and to a seat on the coveted Appropriations Committee. In 2002, he was elected in a three-way race to serve as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and in January 2006, his peers unanimously elevated him to Chair of the Caucus.

In addition to serving as House Majority Whip, Congressman Clyburn serves as leader of the House Democrat’s Faith Working Group. Jim and Emily have three daughters, Mignon Clyburn, Angela Hannibal and Jennifer Clyburn Reed, two sons-in-law, Cecil Hannibal and Walter Reed; and two grandchildren, Walter A Clyburn Reed and Sydney Alexis Reed.