Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat who represented much of Houston in Congress for nearly 30 years, has died. She was 74.
Her family released a statement on Friday night to give the heartbreaking news.
“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,” the statement read.
Jackson Lee had announced in early June that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer but was continuing to campaign for what would have been her 16th term in office. She was ready to fight it.
At the time of her death, she was one of the two longest-serving members of the Texas congressional delegation, along with Austin Congressman Lloyd Doggett.
“Known for her relentless advocacy, the congresswoman dedicated her life to public service, advancing civil rights, healthcare reform, and disaster recovery,” said Texas Democratic Party chairman Gilberto Hinojosa in a statement.
“And in the spirit of Sheila Jackson Lee’s legacy, we will march forward in our fierce commitment to fighting for justice, equality and opportunity for all.”
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 under-resourced communities; the channeling of billions of federal dollars back to her district; her presence at someone’s bedside, giving words of comfort to families who lost loved ones; her appearances at places of worship and events showcasing the global diversity of our City; and her uncanny ability to be everywhere, working every day for those who needed a champion, made her truly exceptional.”
Jackson Lee, born in Queens, New York, represented Texas’ 18th Congressional District longer than anyone since the district was established more than a century ago.
She was only the fourth member 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 Houston in elective office for close to 35 years, first as a Houston City Council member before winning election to the U.S. House in 1994.
