“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,” her family said in a statement.
The family of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, announced on Friday that the congresswoman has passed away at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with cancer.
“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,” her family said in a statement.
“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,” the statement said.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a trailblazing congresswoman, had been battling pancreatic cancer since June, when she publicly disclosed her diagnosis and ongoing treatment, NBC News reports.
With a storied career spanning over two decades in the House, beginning in 1995, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy of championing civil rights legislation. Her notable achievements include spearheading the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, advocating for the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, and championing the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act.
Her tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on the lives of many.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat from Texas, played a crucial role in championing the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022.
Born in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee boasts an impressive educational background, having graduated from Yale University and the University of Virginia Law School.
Her professional journey began as a lawyer in private practice, followed by her tenure as staff counsel for the House Select Committee on Assassinations.
She later served in Houston's government, holding positions on the City Council and as a municipal judge. Her political career culminated in her election to Congress, where she sat on the prestigious Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget committees.
Notably, Jackson Lee also ran for Houston mayor in 2023, ultimately losing in a runoff election to state Sen. John Whitmire.
House Speaker Mike Johnson in a statement called Jackson Lee “a fierce advocate for the Houston community.”
“While we rarely agreed on policy, I always enjoyed our spirited debates about law and policy, and I counted her as a friend,” he said.