James Clyburn — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in South Carolina, 2026

James Clyburn supports comprehensive immigration reform, advocating for smart border security and pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, as part of House Democrats' efforts to ensure America upholds its ideals as a nation of immigrants. He supported the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 to protect certain undocumented immigrants. Clyburn voted for a government funding package, indicating it would allow negotiations to reform ICE and CBP practices.

“"I supported the government funding package today because it provides just 10 days of DHS funding, which will enable Democrats to continue negotiating to rein in ICE and CBP’s lawless behavior, and because it makes much-needed investments in many other programs people in my district depend on." - James Clyburn, social media (as reported by abcnews4.com)”

James Clyburn strongly supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a law he helped pass to give all Americans access to quality, affordable healthcare. He advocates for extending ACA healthcare subsidies, criticizing their lapse as leading to "painful sticker shock" and loss of coverage for millions. He voted against H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act," aligning with House Democrats' efforts to defend the ACA.

“"As a result of this bill, Americans will continue to experience painful sticker shock when they see their new health care premiums. Millions will be forced to go without coverage," Clyburn said. (wpde.com)”

James Clyburn has a strong record on environmental issues, evidenced by a 97% score on the League of Conservation Voters' 2024 scorecard. In February 2026, he voted "No" on HR 4758, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, and "No" on HR 4626, the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act. This indicates his position aligns with advocating for climate change legislation and environmental protections.

James Clyburn voted in favor of legislation to protect reproductive freedom and strongly support contraceptive measures during Roll No. 366 on July 19, 2022. The reasoning cited for supporting such legislation included ensuring women do not face fear of arrest or being denied necessary medical care. This vote indicates his position of support for reproductive health access.

During a vote to prevent national default, Representative James Clyburn supported a bill that included cuts to defense spending. He stated that defense spending is an area of the budget that "can afford to be pared" as part of efforts to reduce the deficit and make difficult concessions. This position reflects his view that defense cuts are acceptable for fiscal responsibility.

“Of the cuts it does make below fiscal year 2011 levels, half of them come from defense spending, an area of the budget that can afford to be pared. —James Clyburn, Clyburn Statement On Default Prevention Vote, House.gov”

James Clyburn supports initiatives aimed at educational equity and access for all Americans. He advocates for the GI Bill Restoration Act to honor Black veterans and pushed for H.R. 40, which seeks to study the educational impacts of historical discrimination. Clyburn also supports the Equality Act, aiming to prohibit discrimination in education for the LGBTQ+ community, and is associated with the Clyburn Fellowship, which trains future Democratic leaders. He views free public education as a fundamental right.

“Yes. And it was the first time in this country that free public education was allowed for everybody. Before that time, only the elite had the opportunities to get educated. Even my father was not allowed an education beyond the seventh grade in the county. He grew up in South Carolina. (James Clyburn, WBUR On Point, January 8, 2026)”

James Clyburn voted against H.Res. 1042 in 2026, a resolution that sought to modernize federal firearms laws. He also proposed legislation in 2025 to close a loophole that permitted the Charleston church shooter to acquire a gun. Clyburn stated that enhanced background checks would prevent such incidents, reflecting his efforts to implement stricter gun control measures.

““With the kind of background check we are talking about today, we would have prevented that because he would have never gotten a gun.” - James Clyburn, at a news conference in Washington, D.C., June 10, 2025.”