Sheila Jackson Lee, longtime Texas congresswoman, dies at 74
Last month, Jackson Lee revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Democratic Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas has passed away at the age of 74, as announced by her office on Friday evening. The cause of her death has not been disclosed, but last month she revealed her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Her office described her as "a fierce champion of the people," affectionately referred to as 'Congresswoman' by her constituents for more than three decades of dedicated service.
Representing the 18th Congressional District, Jackson Lee was recognized as "a towering figure in our politics" by President Biden, who noted her fearless advocacy and her commitment to her community in Houston. "She spoke truth to power and represented the strength of her constituents with dignity and grace," he stated, adding that her spirit was "unbreakable." The president acknowledged the honor of working with her throughout her nearly 30 years in Congress, highlighting her relentless leadership on issues ranging from racial justice to economic empowerment.
Born in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee graduated from Yale University in 1972 before earning her law degree at the University of Virginia. She began her political career on the Houston City Council in the late 1980s and ascended to Congress in 1995. Recently, she lost a closely contested race for the Houston mayoralty last December.
The Congressional Black Caucus hailed Jackson Lee as a "titan and stalwart," recognizing her as a "fierce advocate for social and economic justice, national security, energy independence, and support for children and working families." Notably, she was the lead sponsor of the bill that established Juneteenth as a federal holiday, emphasizing its significance for national discussions on racism.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised her for her dedication to marginalized communities and noted her historic role as the first woman to chair the House Judiciary Committee's crime subcommittee. Jackson Lee had shared her pancreatic cancer diagnosis last month while actively undergoing treatment, having previously battled and recovered from breast cancer in 2012. She had also worked to secure funding for breast cancer research in Congress.
In response to her passing, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a leader committed to improving the nation, stating, "Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee fought so hard throughout her life to make our country a better place for all. May her memory be a blessing." Texas Governor Greg Abbott also honored her memory as a "tireless advocate for the people of Houston," asserting that her legacy of public service would endure.
She is survived by her husband and two children.
— Jordan Freiman contributed to this report.
Representing the 18th Congressional District, Jackson Lee was recognized as "a towering figure in our politics" by President Biden, who noted her fearless advocacy and her commitment to her community in Houston. "She spoke truth to power and represented the strength of her constituents with dignity and grace," he stated, adding that her spirit was "unbreakable." The president acknowledged the honor of working with her throughout her nearly 30 years in Congress, highlighting her relentless leadership on issues ranging from racial justice to economic empowerment.
Born in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee graduated from Yale University in 1972 before earning her law degree at the University of Virginia. She began her political career on the Houston City Council in the late 1980s and ascended to Congress in 1995. Recently, she lost a closely contested race for the Houston mayoralty last December.
The Congressional Black Caucus hailed Jackson Lee as a "titan and stalwart," recognizing her as a "fierce advocate for social and economic justice, national security, energy independence, and support for children and working families." Notably, she was the lead sponsor of the bill that established Juneteenth as a federal holiday, emphasizing its significance for national discussions on racism.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised her for her dedication to marginalized communities and noted her historic role as the first woman to chair the House Judiciary Committee's crime subcommittee. Jackson Lee had shared her pancreatic cancer diagnosis last month while actively undergoing treatment, having previously battled and recovered from breast cancer in 2012. She had also worked to secure funding for breast cancer research in Congress.
In response to her passing, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a leader committed to improving the nation, stating, "Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee fought so hard throughout her life to make our country a better place for all. May her memory be a blessing." Texas Governor Greg Abbott also honored her memory as a "tireless advocate for the people of Houston," asserting that her legacy of public service would endure.
She is survived by her husband and two children.
— Jordan Freiman contributed to this report.