Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), who served in Congress for nearly three decades, has died at age 74, her family announced Friday night.
“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 wrote in a statement. declaration shared to your X account.
Her family did not specify the cause of death, but the news comes just over a month after the congresswoman revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment.
Jackson Lee was first elected to the House in 1994, defeating then-Rep. Craig Washington (D-Texas) in the Democratic primary. She defeated her Republican opponent in the general election, beginning her nearly 30-year tenure in the House.
The congresswoman served on the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget Committees.
“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,” Jackson Lee’s family wrote in their statement Friday night. fair.
“His legislative victories have impacted millions, from the establishment of the Juneteenth federal holiday to the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act,” they added.
Jackson Lee won her Democratic primary for Texas’ 18th Congressional District in March, reigning victorious after a competitive race for her seat. The victory came after she mounted a failed campaign for mayor of Houston.
The congresswoman’s family nodded to her legacy as they announced her death Friday night.
“[S]he impacted us most as our beloved wife, sister, mother and Bebe (grandmother)”, says the family statement. “She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice and democracy.”
Updated at 11:19 pm. HUSA.
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