Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Dies at 74

Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who represented much of Houston in Congress for nearly 30 years, has died, according to a statement released by her family Friday night. She was 74.

“Today, with incredible pain for our loss but deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas’s 18th Congressional District,” the statement read.

Jackson Lee announced in early June that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but was continuing to campaign for what would have been her 16th birthday.^th At the time of her death, she was one of the two longest-serving members of the Texas congressional delegation, along with Austin Rep. Lloyd Doggett.

“Known for her fierce advocacy, the congresswoman has dedicated her life to public service, advancing civil rights, health care reform, and rebuilding after disasters,” Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said in a statement. “And in the spirit of Sheila Jackson Lee’s legacy, we will continue to move forward in our fierce commitment to fighting for justice, equality, and opportunity for all.”

Jackson Lee’s legislative accomplishments include establishing the federal holiday Juneteenth and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also paid tribute to Jackson Lee in a statement, saying, “Her work on the ground in some of the poorest and most under-resourced communities, redirecting billions of federal dollars to her district, being at someone’s bedside, providing words of comfort to families who lost loved ones, her appearances at houses of worship and events that showcased our city’s global diversity, and her uncanny ability to be everywhere, working every day for those who needed a champion, made her truly exceptional.”

Tributes also poured in from both sides of the aisle. Houston-area Republican Congressman Wesley Hunt wrote, “During these divisive times, Congresswoman Lee and I were able to collaborate on several legislative initiatives for the City of Houston. Her unwavering commitment to serving the people of Houston and her tireless work left an indelible mark on our community and our nation.”“

Jackson Lee, born in Queens, New York, represented Texas 18^th She has served longer in Congress than anyone since the district was created more than a century ago. She was just the fourth congresswoman to hold the seat since the district was redrawn to represent downtown Houston in 1972 — preceded by Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland and Craig Washington.

Jackson Lee served in elected office in Houston for nearly 35 years, first as a member of the Houston City Council before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994. For most of her time in Congress, she faced minimal opposition for reelection. Last year, she unsuccessfully sought to succeed Turner as mayor of Houston, ultimately losing to John Whitmire in a runoff. She then reversed course to reclaim the Democratic nomination for her congressional seat, fending off a fierce challenge from former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards.

Jackson Lee is the third member of the Congressional Black Caucus to die of pancreatic cancer in just over four years, joining Congressmen John Lewis and Alcee Hastings.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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