Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, has died at age 74 after a battle with cancer, her family announced Friday.
“Today, with incredible grief for our loss, but with 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 said in a statement.
“A local, national and international humanitarian, she has been recognized worldwide for her courageous fights for racial justice, criminal justice and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children,” the statement said.
Jackson Lee announced in June that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment.
The longtime congresswoman has served in the House since 1995 and leaves a legacy of pushing for legislation related to civil rights.
Jackson Lee was the lead sponsor of the Eleventh National Independence Day Act and pushed for the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015 as well as the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act.
“This is America’s holiday. And America’s holiday is not just for black people,” said Jackson Lee about the eleventh month in a 2023 MSNBC Interview. “It’s about freedom and democracy.”
The Texas Democrat introduced legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which President Joe Biden signed in 2022.
Jackson Lee was born in Queens, New York. A graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia School of Law, she worked as a lawyer in private practice and as counsel to the House Select Committee on Assassinations.
She went on to serve in Houston government as a City Council member and municipal judge before being elected to Congress, where she served on the Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget committees.
“She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice and democracy,” concluded her family’s statement. “God bless you, Congressman, and God bless the United States of America.”
Jackson Lee’s family said funeral arrangements for the congresswoman are pending.
She leaves behind her husband, two children and two grandchildren.
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