Guide Note

James Clyburn (D-SC) is the highest ranking African-American member of congress, hailing from the 6th congressional district of South Carolina, the state's only district with an African-American voting majority. He is the House Majority Whip and is the third-ranking House Democrat. Clyburn is the second African-American to be the House Majority Whip.

Fast Facts

1. Born: July 12, 1940
2. Assumed office: January 4, 1993
3. Party: Democratic Party
4. Spouse: Emily England
5. Religion: African Methodist Episcopal
6. Represents South Carolina's 6th Congressional District
7. 26th Majority Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives

On Tuesday, June 3, 2008, Clyburn, a superdelegate, announced his endorsement for Senator Barack Obama.

1. "I believe the nomination of Senator Obama is our Party's best chance for victory in November, and our nation's best hope for much needed change."—James Clyburn, CBS News
2. "Senator Obama brings a new vision for our future and new voters to our cause. He has created levels of energy and excitement that I have not witnessed since the 1960's."—James Clyburn, CBS News

Clyburn was born in Sumpter, South Carolina on July 12, 1940. He attended South Carolina State University in Orangeburg. After an unsuccessful run for the South Carolina General Assembly, Clyburn worked for then Gov. John West in 1971, becoming the first African-American adviser to a S.C. governor. Clyburn was elected to congress in 1992.