ep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, has passed away at the age of 74 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, her office confirmed Friday night.
In a statement, her office expressed profound sorrow and appreciation for her life: “With deep 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.”
Jackson Lee, who served Texas’ 18th congressional district for three decades, revealed last month that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her extensive public service earned her the affection of her constituents, who often referred to her simply as “Congresswoman.”
Before her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, Jackson Lee had previously overcome breast cancer, which she announced she was free from in 2012. Her legacy includes significant contributions to racial justice, criminal justice reform, and human rights, with a focus on women and children.
Jackson Lee’s career began in public service as a judge before she was elected to the Houston City Council in 1989. She later ran for Houston mayor in 2023 but lost to state Sen. John Whitmire. She was seeking re-election to Congress at the time of her death.
Her legislative achievements include the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday and the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Despite these successes, her office emphasized that her greatest impact was felt personally as a beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother.
Lawmakers have mourned her passing. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., praised Jackson Lee as a “fierce advocate for justice and a monumental force for change,” while the Congressional Black Caucus honored her as a “titan” and “stalwart member of Congress.”
She is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee, and their two children, Jason and Erica. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
