“Her legislative victories impacted millions, from establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act,” says family in statement.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), a congresswoman of over 30 years, passed away at 74 on Friday, according to her family.
Jackson Lee’s death comes a month after she announced that she had pancreatic cancer. She had also been treated years earlier for breast 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.
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) July 20, 2024
“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.
Her family went on to describe her as “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.”
“Her legislative victories impacted millions, from establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.”
She won in the Democratic primary for much of Houston’s inner city district in March after losing in her effort to become Houston’s mayor in December.
Jackson Lee was also a big supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, gun control, and expanding the Supreme Court.
Joe Biden released a statement Saturday praising Jackson Lee as a “great American.”
“I had the honor or working with her during her nearly 30 years in Congress,” Biden wrote. “No matter the issue – from delivering racial justice to building an economy for working people – she was unrelenting in her leadership.”
“Always fearless, she spoke truth to power and represented the power of the people of her district in Houston with dignity and grace,” he added
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also said in a statement, “Sheila Jackson Lee was an accomplished legislator, passionate public servant, loving mentor and wonderful friend to so many of us in the Congressional Black Caucus and House Democratic Caucus family. I am grateful for her fearless advocacy, fierce determination, formidable service and legacy of leadership.”
Other Democrat and Republican lawmakers also expressed their sympathies on X, including Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
Rest in power, Sheila Jackson Lee. pic.twitter.com/KPpmqoRfHr
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) July 20, 2024
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my friend & colleague Sheila Jackson Lee.
She was a tireless advocate for Houston.
I will always cherish our friendship & the laughs we shared throughout the years.
Heidi & I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to her family. pic.twitter.com/SGZhFQ8rHk
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) July 20, 2024
It remains to be seen if or when a special election will be held to fill her seat in the House.
