Rep. James Clyburn, the 85-year-old South Carolina Democrat, announced he will seek an 18th term in Congress, bucking the trend of retirements among aging Democratic leaders. The decision comes as Democrats eye regaining House control in November's midterms.

Clyburn, who served as the No. 3 House Democrat for years, stepped down from leadership in 2022 to make way for new leadership but never left Congress. Unlike former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Steny Hoyer, who are retiring, Clyburn created a new assistant Democratic leader role to stay.

His announcement signals a complex moment for the party as it balances experience with fresh faces. Clyburn has expressed interest in seeing Hakeem Jeffries become the first Black House speaker if Democrats win the majority. The longtime power broker remains influential in presidential politics, having played a pivotal role in Joe Biden's 2020 primary victory and maintaining his 'ridin' with Biden' stance during pressure for Biden to exit the 2024 race.