Jaime Harrison is interested in chairing the Democratic National Committee and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) has "confidence" that he can do the role, the South Carolina Democrat told the Washington Post Tuesday.
Why it matters: DNC Chair Tom Perez isn't expected to stay on in the role, and a committee rep noted he said several times previously he'd serve only one term. Clyburn is an influential figure and key ally of President-elect Joe Biden, who can pick a replacement.
What he's saying: "I can’t betray any conversations with Whip, but I know that it’s something that he seems to think that I could do. I'd put it that way," Harrison told WashPost.
- While Harrison hasn't spoken with Biden about the DNC role or on joining the incoming administration, he said: "If that's something that they are interested in me doing, I'll definitely take a good look."
For the record: Harrison lost his bid for a Senate seat in this month's election to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C) after raising huge amounts of money — including a record $57 million in the third quarter.
- Harrison, who was previously South Carolina Democratic Party chair and ran for the national committee role in 2016 before bowing out to support Perez, told WashPost Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris contacted him on election night, and other senior Democrats including Clyburn later contacted him.
- "I'm flattered," he told the news outlet. "But you know, at the end of the day it's about who the president-elect decides to be the next chair."
- Reps for Clyburn immediately responded to Axios' requests for comment.
Go deeper: Clyburn says "defund police," other "sloganeering" cost seats
