Sheila Jackson Lee, a trailblazing Democratic congresswoman from Texas, has died at the age of 74 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Her family announced her passing on Friday with a heartfelt statement shared on social media platform X.
“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,” the statement read. “A local, national, and international humanitarian, she was acknowledged worldwide for her courageous fights for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children.”
In June, Jackson Lee revealed her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and has been undergoing treatment since then.
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Serving in the House of Representatives since 1995, Jackson Lee left behind a substantial legacy as a champion for civil rights legislation. She was the lead sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, played a key role in the passage of the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, and was a driving force behind the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act. She also significantly contributed to the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, signed by President Joe Biden in 2022.
Born in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee was a graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia Law School. She began her career as a lawyer in private practice and as staff counsel for the House Select Committee on Assassinations. Before her election to Congress, she served as a City Council member and municipal judge in Houston. During her congressional tenure, she served on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget committees.
In 2023, Jackson Lee ran for mayor of Houston but lost in a runoff to state Sen. John Whitmire. Despite this, she was subsequently reelected to her House seat.
Funeral arrangements for Congresswoman Jackson Lee are pending. Her family stated, “She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy. God bless you, Congresswoman, and God bless the United States of America.”
Sheila Jackson Lee is survived by her husband, two children, and two grandchildren. Her commitment to justice and equality will continue to inspire future generations.
