Sheila Jackson Lee, long-serving Democratic congresswoman and advocate for Black Americans, dies at 74
Sheila Jackson Lee, a longtime Democratic congresswoman from Texas who was an outspoken advocate for Black Americans for decades, has died, according to a statement from her office. She was 74.
Sheila Jackson Lee, a prominent Democratic congresswoman from Texas known for her unwavering advocacy for Black Americans, has passed away at the age of 74. In a statement released on Friday, her family expressed their profound grief, saying, “Today, with incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas.” Jackson Lee revealed her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in June, stating that “the road ahead will not be easy” but expressing her faith in God’s strength.
Her family remembered her as “a fierce champion of the people,” noting that her constituents affectionately knew her simply as “Congresswoman” due to her enduring presence and dedicated service over more than three decades. Born on January 12, 1950, in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee was among the first women to graduate from Yale University. She began her public service career as a Houston municipal judge and city councilwoman before being elected to represent Texas' 18th Congressional District in 1994, defeating a Democratic incumbent in the primary.
Throughout her time in Congress, Jackson Lee was a strong advocate for progressive causes and a passionate voice for Black Americans. She was instrumental in legislation that established Juneteenth as a national holiday, frequently campaigned against police brutality, and pushed for federal laws addressing police misconduct. She was a vocal opponent of the Iraq War and often criticized former President Donald Trump, notably opposing the certification of Trump’s 2016 electoral victory based on unfounded claims of “massive voter suppression.”
Despite some legislative setbacks, Jackson Lee remained committed to justice, particularly in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in 2020, asserting, “We will not stop until the nation knows Black lives matter and reparations are passed as the most significant civil rights legislation of the 21st century.” At her passing, she held the position of chief deputy whip for House Democrats and served as vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Previously, she was the whip of the Congressional Black Caucus.
“Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a patriot and a fighter to the very end. Words cannot express the sense of loss our Caucus feels for our beloved friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” stated Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford and caucus members following her death.
While her congressional career was notable, it was not without controversy. Her connections to Enron, which significantly contributed to her early campaigns and was based in her district, were scrutinized following the company’s collapse in the early 2000s. Additionally, in 2019, she resigned as chair of the nonprofit Congressional Black Caucus Foundation amid allegations of firing a staffer who reported sexual assault by a supervisor. She denied the allegations, which were ultimately dismissed by a federal judge in February 2020.
In her recent bid for the mayorship of Houston, she gained endorsements from prominent figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Bill Clinton, but lost in a runoff to Texas state Sen. John Whitmire. After that defeat, Jackson Lee filed to pursue a 16th term in Congress and won a competitive Democratic primary in March against former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards.
Following her passing, President Joe Biden honored Jackson Lee as a “great American,” stating, “Sheila Jackson Lee is part of a long line of patriots who delivered the promise of America to all Americans. Jill and I send our love and condolences to her family, her constituents, and beloved colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed that the city of Houston and House Democrats mourn a “giant” and praised her as an accomplished legislator and mentor to many.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described her death as a “tremendous loss,” highlighting her lifelong commitment to making the country a better place. Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin and Texas Rep. Al Green also paid tribute to Jackson Lee, acknowledging her hard work and dedication to justice in Congress.
Known for strategically positioning herself near the entrance during the State of the Union addresses to engage with presidents, Jackson Lee emphasized that it was not about photo opportunities but maintaining relationships for effective governance.
Funeral arrangements are pending, as her family shared, “Her legislative victories impacted millions, from establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. However, she impacted us most as our beloved wife, sister, mother, and Bebe (grandmother). She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy.”
This story has been updated with additional details. Contributions from CNN’s Chandelis Duster and Samantha Waldenberg are included.
Her family remembered her as “a fierce champion of the people,” noting that her constituents affectionately knew her simply as “Congresswoman” due to her enduring presence and dedicated service over more than three decades. Born on January 12, 1950, in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee was among the first women to graduate from Yale University. She began her public service career as a Houston municipal judge and city councilwoman before being elected to represent Texas' 18th Congressional District in 1994, defeating a Democratic incumbent in the primary.
Throughout her time in Congress, Jackson Lee was a strong advocate for progressive causes and a passionate voice for Black Americans. She was instrumental in legislation that established Juneteenth as a national holiday, frequently campaigned against police brutality, and pushed for federal laws addressing police misconduct. She was a vocal opponent of the Iraq War and often criticized former President Donald Trump, notably opposing the certification of Trump’s 2016 electoral victory based on unfounded claims of “massive voter suppression.”
Despite some legislative setbacks, Jackson Lee remained committed to justice, particularly in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in 2020, asserting, “We will not stop until the nation knows Black lives matter and reparations are passed as the most significant civil rights legislation of the 21st century.” At her passing, she held the position of chief deputy whip for House Democrats and served as vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Previously, she was the whip of the Congressional Black Caucus.
“Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a patriot and a fighter to the very end. Words cannot express the sense of loss our Caucus feels for our beloved friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” stated Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford and caucus members following her death.
While her congressional career was notable, it was not without controversy. Her connections to Enron, which significantly contributed to her early campaigns and was based in her district, were scrutinized following the company’s collapse in the early 2000s. Additionally, in 2019, she resigned as chair of the nonprofit Congressional Black Caucus Foundation amid allegations of firing a staffer who reported sexual assault by a supervisor. She denied the allegations, which were ultimately dismissed by a federal judge in February 2020.
In her recent bid for the mayorship of Houston, she gained endorsements from prominent figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Bill Clinton, but lost in a runoff to Texas state Sen. John Whitmire. After that defeat, Jackson Lee filed to pursue a 16th term in Congress and won a competitive Democratic primary in March against former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards.
Following her passing, President Joe Biden honored Jackson Lee as a “great American,” stating, “Sheila Jackson Lee is part of a long line of patriots who delivered the promise of America to all Americans. Jill and I send our love and condolences to her family, her constituents, and beloved colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed that the city of Houston and House Democrats mourn a “giant” and praised her as an accomplished legislator and mentor to many.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described her death as a “tremendous loss,” highlighting her lifelong commitment to making the country a better place. Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin and Texas Rep. Al Green also paid tribute to Jackson Lee, acknowledging her hard work and dedication to justice in Congress.
Known for strategically positioning herself near the entrance during the State of the Union addresses to engage with presidents, Jackson Lee emphasized that it was not about photo opportunities but maintaining relationships for effective governance.
Funeral arrangements are pending, as her family shared, “Her legislative victories impacted millions, from establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. However, she impacted us most as our beloved wife, sister, mother, and Bebe (grandmother). She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy.”
This story has been updated with additional details. Contributions from CNN’s Chandelis Duster and Samantha Waldenberg are included.