Rep. Jim Clyburn, the House majority whip, said nominating Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for president could make it harder for House Democrats to hold on to their majority in the November election.
Clyburn, an influential South Carolina Democrat who has served in Congress since 1993, endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
He told reporters later in the day he is worried the House majority could be lost by Democrats if Sanders, who calls himself a democratic socialist, leads the ticket.
“That’s why I’m for Joe,” Clyburn told reporters after leaving the House chamber Wednesday. “Because I’m concerned about the House.”
Clyburn said he did not consult with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, about his endorsement. “I don’t tell people what to do politically,” Clyburn said. “I wouldn’t dare do that. Why should I?”
Pelosi has remained neutral. She told reporters Wednesday she would back Sanders if he wins the nomination and is not afraid of losing the House majority.
Clyburn said he’s not sure Sanders will hurt the chances of down-ballot Democrats if he is at the top of the ticket.
His agenda includes free higher education, free healthcare, and free child care, all funded by new taxes.
“I don’t know if he will or not,” Clyburn said. “It’s not a chance I’m willing to take.”
During Tuesday’s Democratic debate in South Carolina, candidate Pete Buttigieg hammered Sanders, warning that if he heads the ticket, the House will lose the majority to the GOP because the Sanders agenda, including free healthcare for all, is far too costly.
“If you want to keep the House in Democratic hands, you might want to check with the people who actually turned the House blue; 40 Democrats, who are not running on your platform,” Buttigieg said. “They are running away from your platform as fast as they possibly can.”
