Clyburn Regrets Thomas Support, Backs 13-Justice Supreme Court

Representative James Clyburn, a senior Democratic lawmaker from South Carolina, expressed regret on Sunday for his past support of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and endorsed a plan to expand the nation's highest court to 13 justices. The comments came during an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired on August 30, 2026. Clyburn was asked by moderator Kristen Welker whether he stood by his 1991 testimony advocating for Thomas's confirmation. "Absolutely not," Clyburn responded. "You know, I have made mistakes in my life, and that's one that I made. And I will own up to that mistake.