For more than three decades, Congressman Jim Clyburn’s fish fry has been a cornerstone of Democratic campaigning, drawing top leaders aiming to boost their national visibility. But in 2025, the event in South Carolina is not just about speeches and photo ops. It has become a setting for reflection and reckoning within the Democratic Party, which is grappling with leadership dominated by ageing politicians and demands for generational change.

The party is still recovering from a bruising loss in last year’s presidential election where Vice-President Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump, following Joe Biden’s reluctant withdrawal from the race amid increasing concerns about his age and fitness to govern.

Biden, who was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer shortly after the election, had continued his campaign until late in the season. His departure and illness have intensified scrutiny of the party's ageing leadership, particularly after three sitting Democratic members of Congress passed away this year alone. The resulting vacancies helped Republicans push through a controversial spending bill by just one vote.

Ageing Leadership and New Pressures

Ashley McIntyre Stewart, an attendee at the fish fry, summed up the mood: We have a geriatric problem. She criticised the ageing Democratic caucus, arguing that younger leadership is essential to prevent Republicans from dominating policy. Her view echoes growing sentiment within the party base, which feels the burden of clinging to seasoned politicians is now outweighing the benefits of their experience.

A recent Axios survey revealed that over half of the 30 Democrats aged above 75 in the House still plan to seek re-election, including Clyburn, who would be 88 at the end of his next term.

Yet, Clyburn remains defiant. Brushing off retirement talks, he said he would continue to serve as long as voters in South Carolina want him. He stated that his focus is on improving lives for the next generation, not internal party criticism about age.

He also dismissed speculation that Biden should have stepped down earlier. According to Clyburn, his grandchildren are more concerned about their future than whether Biden exited too late.

Generational Divide and Growing Discontent

Despite party loyalty to veterans, younger Democrats and voters are growing frustrated. In the 2024 primaries, only two Democratic incumbents — both under 50 — lost renomination. Yet the demand for younger, more diverse leadership continues to grow, especially after recent legislative defeats and Trump’s bold second-term agenda.

William Godwin, a Democrat from Chicago visiting South Carolina, expressed respect for the party’s elder statesmen like Clyburn and Biden but insisted that a youth movement is critical. He called for activists from all backgrounds to bring fresh energy and new perspectives.

This movement is already showing signs of life. Saikat Chakrabarti, a 39-year-old former chief of staff to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is now challenging Nancy Pelosi for her congressional seat in San Francisco. Meanwhile, Jake Rakov, 37, is targeting the seat held by his former boss, Rep Brad Sherman, who has served 15 terms.

Rakov recently told a local publication that voters want new energy and new ideas to make Congress functional again.

The Fish Fry and the Future

At Clyburn’s event, focus remained on regaining lost ground and pushing back against Trump’s aggressive second term. Two Democratic governors, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Wes Moore of Maryland, both seen as potential 2028 presidential contenders, addressed the crowd.

Walz, who was the party’s vice-presidential nominee last year, acknowledged the urgent need to rebuild trust and regain momentum. While respected, at 61, Walz may not be the face of change younger voters seek.

In contrast, Wes Moore, a 46-year-old military veteran and only the third Black governor in US history, delivered the most electric speech. He urged his generation to take the baton and lead boldly.

This is our time, our moment, Moore declared, as he promised that Democrats would fight as fiercely as past generations did.

Facing the Trump Challenge

Despite past wins, last year’s loss has left the party reeling. Trump’s rapid policy reversals, especially cuts to Democrat-backed social programmes, have thrown the party off balance. Walz admitted that the Republicans are moving fast, and Democrats must be ready to respond just as swiftly with progressive action.

We need to have tough conversations, he said, referencing the effort required to win back voters who shifted their allegiance to Trump.

As 2028 looms, South Carolina will once again be a crucial battleground. Whether the Democratic Party embraces new leadership with fresh energy or continues to rely on its old guard may be decided by conversations like those at the fish fry — a reflection of the deep debate between experience and renewal that defines the party today.

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