House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said that he takes issue with using reparations to lessen racial inequality, as 2020 candidates have come out in favor of the idea, The Post and Courier reported Tuesday.

Clyburn, the highest ranking African-American congressman, told the newspaper he thinks "pure reparations would be impossible to implement.”

He also said he was opposed to "opportunity zones," an idea promoted by Sen. Tim Scott Timothy (Tim) Eugene ScottAuthor Ryan Girdusky: RNC worked best when highlighting 'regular people' as opposed to 'standard Republicans' Now is the time to renew our focus on students and their futures GOP lobbyists pleasantly surprised by Republican convention MORE (R-S.C.). He told the Post and Courier that this concept, giving tax incentives to developers who work in low-income neighborhoods, "smoke and mirrors.”

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The Hill has reached out to Clyburn's office for comment.

Sens. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice First presidential debate to cover coronavirus, Supreme Court Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (D-Calif.) and Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenHarris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda Judd Gregg: The Kamala threat — the Californiaization of America GOP set to release controversial Biden report MORE (D-Mass.), as well as former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro said they support giving reparations to black Americans who were affected by slavery. Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Bernie Sanders warns of 'nightmare scenario' if Trump refuses election results Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (I-Vt.), who is also running for the Democratic nomination, said he opposes the idea.

The support for reparations among major candidates indicates a leftward shift since 2016. In that election, nominee Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Senate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot Poll: 51 percent of voters want to abolish the electoral college MORE did not express support for reparations. Former President Barack Obama Barack Hussein ObamaMichelle Obama and Jennifer Lopez exchange Ginsburg memories Pence defends Trump's 'obligation' to nominate new Supreme Court justice The militia menace MORE also did not promote the idea.

Black voters are expected to be a key demographic in the Democratic primary and the crowded field of candidates are likely to fight hard to win black votes.

Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate Trump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' MORE, who has not announced a 2020 bid, appear to be leading the field in recent polls. Harris placed third in a poll released Tuesday.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiPelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare House lawmakers reach deal to avert shutdown Centrist Democrats 'strongly considering' discharge petition on GOP PPP bill MORE said on Wednesday that she supports studying the issue of reparations for slavery.