A dedicated Democratic congresswoman from Texas known for her vigorous advocacy for Black Americans, Sheila Jackson Lee, has passed away at the age of 74.
“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 announced in a statement on Friday.
Jackson Lee disclosed in June that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, acknowledging the challenging journey ahead and expressing her faith for strength.
Remembered by her family as “a fierce champion of the people,” Jackson Lee was affectionately known as ‘Congresswoman’ by her constituents, reflecting her extensive presence and service in their lives for over 30 years.
Starting her congressional journey as an underdog, Jackson Lee overcame the odds by defeating four-term U.S. Representative Craig Washington in the 1994 Democratic primary.
She subsequently solidified her position as a prominent figure in both Congress and Houston, forging connections with the upper echelons of the Democratic Party.
Jackson Lee was a longstanding progressive presence on Capitol Hill, known for her early opposition to the Iraq War and her advocacy for gay rights.
In 2021, she made headlines by being arrested for participating in civil disobedience in support of a federal voting rights bill.
Born in Queens, New York, on January 12, 1950, Jackson Lee was among the first women to graduate from Yale University.
Before her election to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District in 1994, she served as a Houston municipal judge and city councilwoman, unseating a Democratic incumbent in the primary for the Houston-area seat.
Throughout her congressional career, Jackson Lee was a vocal advocate for progressive causes and Black Americans.
She sponsored legislation to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday, spoke against police brutality, and pushed for federal legislation to prosecute police misconduct.
She gained admiration among progressives for opposing the Iraq War and was a staunch critic of former President Donald Trump. She challenged the electoral votes certifying Trump’s 2016 election win, citing claims of voter suppression, and used her position on the House Judiciary Committee to scrutinize Trump’s circle.
Despite some setbacks, Jackson Lee remained a steadfast advocate for racial justice, especially after George Floyd’s death in 2020.
At a Washington march that year, she declared, “We will not stop until the nation knows Black lives matter, and reparations are passed as the most significant civil rights legislation of the 21st century.”
At her death, she held roles as a chief deputy whip for House Democrats and vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.She previously served as whip of the Congressional Black Caucus.
“Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a patriot and a fighter to the very end. Words cannot express the sense of loss our Caucus feels for our beloved friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” stated Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford and the Caucus members.
Jackson Lee’s congressional tenure was not without controversy. Her ties to Enron, whose headquarters were in her district and which was a major campaign contributor, came under scrutiny after the company’s collapse. She denied leniency toward the corporation.
In 2019, she resigned from her role as chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and stepped down from a House Judiciary subcommittee chairmanship following allegations she fired a staffer who reported sexual assault by a supervisor at the foundation.
Jackson Lee denied the allegations, and the lawsuit was dismissed in February 2020.
In 2023, Jackson Lee ran for Houston mayor, garnering endorsements from prominent figures including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Bill Clinton. She lost in a runoff to Texas state Sen. John Whitmire. Subsequently, she filed to seek a 16th term in Congress and won a competitive Democratic primary in March.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries described her as “an accomplished legislator, passionate public servant, loving mentor and wonderful friend,” adding that she was a “giant” whose fearless advocacy and legacy of leadership would be remembered.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer noted on X that Jackson Lee “fought so hard throughout her life to make our country a better place for all,” calling her death a “tremendous loss.”
Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin praised her dedication and meticulous approach to legislation, while fellow Texas Rep. Al Green, speaking on CNN’s “Laura Coates Live,” highlighted her commitment to justice and her role in helping him become a better congressman.
Jackson Lee was known for her strategic seating during the president’s annual State of the Union address, where she frequently engaged with the president for quick business discussions.
Funeral arrangements are pending, according to the family, who noted that her legislative successes, including the Juneteenth Federal Holiday and the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, impacted millions.
They remembered her most fondly as a beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, whose legacy will continue to inspire those who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy.
