Three Days to Decide Wisconsin’s Future: U.S. Rep Jim Clyburn Rallies Milwaukee Voters

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina was in Milwaukee on Saturday, Oct. 31, joining U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore and Mayor Cavalier Johnson to campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley at one of the many get-out-the-vote events ahead of the midterm election.

“Three days away from Election Day. Three days to decide the future of Wisconsin,” said Kejuane Jennings, host and Chair MKE Dems.  

The event comes prior to the last day of early voting and around the corner of the midterm election.

Clyburn, 86, brought a sense of urgency to Milwaukee as one of his final stops before the election with a call to action message to get involved. Tomorrow he’s in Michigan.

Clyburn emphasized the impact of narrow election margins, referencing President Andrew

Johnson’s impeachment trial and the disputed 1876 presidential election where Republican Rutherford B. Hayes won the presidency over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden by a single electoral vote, 185 to 184. The outcome marked the end of Reconstruction and helped pave the way for the Jim Crow era. Clyburn cited these historical events to illustrate how decisions made by narrow margins can shape the future for generations.

With Wisconsin drawing national attention, he urged that individual participation matters.

Clyburn connected the struggles of the civil rights movement to the challenges families face today, including housing costs, healthcare and access to education.

Drawing on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” he emphasized that time alone does not bring change. He urged those concerned about the country’s direction to make their voices heard.

“The loudest voice that we have in a democracy is our vote,” he said.

Throughout his remarks, Clyburn returned to three priorities, affordability, accessibility and accountability. He said Americans want elected officials who address everyday concerns and create opportunities for families to thrive.

“People aren’t asking this country to make them rich,” Clyburn said. “They’re asking this country to create a vibrant environment” where they can live, educate and raise their children.”

Clyburn's remarks took a personal turn as he described his late wife’s childhood on a farm. Her two mile daily walks to school and her trip to college in a pickup truck. The story underscored his broader argument that a person’s starting circumstances should not determine their opportunities.

Clyburn also praised Crowley’s demeanor and leadership, recalling how watching the Milwaukee County executive’s political rise prompted a personal connection.  

He argued that people should be judged by their character and actions, rather than circumstances they did not choose, including their birthplace, gender or skin color.

“I’m here today to ask you to do what you can over the next three days and bring the victory home,” he said.