House Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn wrote a letter supporting Jaime Harrison for DNC chairman. | Getty Clyburn letter to DNC: Jaime Harrison has 'vision' to rebuild our party

House Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn sent Democratic National Committee members a letter encouraging them to vote for South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison for DNC chairman on Wednesday morning, in a significant step for Harrison’s candidacy.

The note from Clyburn — the number three Democrat in the House and an influential national figure for the party — outlines his long history with Harrison, who is running to replace interim DNC chair Donna Brazile in February’s election.


“He has the experience, vision, and commitment to rebuild our party and to return us to victory on national, state, and local levels,” reads the letter, which formalizes the public support Clyburn has expressed for his fellow South Carolinian and former aide.

“I often say that no one is any more or any less than what their experiences allow them to be. Jaime’s experiences have made him adept at connecting with people at all levels — from South Carolina fish fries and Maryland crab boils to the hallowed halls of our finest colleges and universities. Jaime is well regarded by many of my colleagues here and by Democrats from around the country."

The note recounts much of Harrison’s biography, but it also includes a subtle reminder that he would serve in the office full-time — something that is not necessarily true of front-runner Keith Ellison, the Minnesota congressman who has gathered a wide array of endorsements of his own.

“Our next DNC chair must work full-time to rebuild our party,” writes Clyburn toward the end of the nearly 800-word letter.

Ellison is backed by a range of labor leaders, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and other prominent senators like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, but he has not committed to vacating his House seat if he wins.

Other candidates for the job include former Vermont governor and DNC chair Howard Dean and New Hampshire Party chair and DNC vice-chair Raymond Buckley.