Sheila Jackson Lee, a steadfast advocate for African American and women's rights, has passed away at the age of 74. Known for her vigorous and passionate representation of Texas' 18th Congressional District, Jackson Lee's family announced her death late on Friday via a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. Jackson Lee, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, had revealed last month that she was undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, having previously battled breast cancer.
"A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as 'Congresswoman' by her constituents in recognition of her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years," her family said in the statement.
Her passing marks the end of an era for the Houston district she served since 1995, succeeding Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman elected to Congress from a southern state since Reconstruction. Jackson Lee quickly established herself as a formidable force on the House Judiciary Committee, becoming a vocal advocate for social justice issues, from policing reform to reparations for descendants of enslaved people.
Bishop James Dixon, a longtime friend from Houston who visited Jackson Lee earlier this week, praised her relentless dedication to public service. "She was just a rare, rare jewel of a person who relentlessly gave everything she had to make sure others had what they needed. That was Sheila," he said.
Jackson Lee's commitment to her constituents and her work in Congress earned her respect across the political spectrum. Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina called her "a tenacious advocate for civil rights and a tireless fighter, improving the lives of her constituents." Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin lauded her work ethic, noting, "I have never known a harder-working lawmaker than Sheila Jackson Lee."
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi highlighted Jackson Lee's efforts in getting Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday. "As a powerful voice in the Congress for our constitution and human rights, she fought tirelessly to advance fairness, equity, and justice for all," Pelosi said.
Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott also paid tribute, saying, "Her legacy of public service and dedication to Texas will live on."
Born in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee graduated from Yale and earned her law degree at the University of Virginia. She moved to Houston, where she served as a judge and then on the Houston City Council before her election to Congress. Throughout her career, she was known for her advocacy on a wide range of issues, including gay rights and opposition to the Iraq war in 2003.
Jackson Lee's legislative achievements include leading the first rewrite of the Violence Against Women Act in nearly a decade, which included protections for Native American, transgender, and immigrant women. She was also instrumental in the 2021 effort to have Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday, marking the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom.
Despite facing political and personal challenges, including a 2019 lawsuit from a former employee alleging mishandling of a sexual assault complaint, Jackson Lee remained a dedicated public servant. She stepped down from two leadership positions but continued her advocacy work unabated.
In 2021, she was one of several congressional Black Caucus members arrested in Washington, D.C., while protesting delays in passing voting rights legislation. "Any action that is a peaceful action of civil disobedience is worthy and more - to push all of us to do better," Jackson Lee said at the time.
Earlier this year, she considered a bid to become Houston's first female Black mayor but was defeated in a runoff. Nevertheless, she easily won the Democratic nomination for her congressional seat, underscoring her enduring popularity among her constituents.
As the nation mourns her loss, Jackson Lee's family remembered her as a beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother. "She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy," the family's statement read.
