Representative. Sheila Jackson LeeD-Texas, died at age 74 after a battle against cancerhis family announced on 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 main sponsor of Eleventh Law of National Independence Dayand she 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.
Jackson Lee ran for mayor of Houston in 2023, but ultimately lost in a second round to declare Senator John Whitmire. She was later reelected for his seat in the House.
Congressional colleagues and political figures on both sides of the aisle remembered Jackson Lee and his commitment to his constituents.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, said in a post that Jackson Lee was “a proud Texan and a tireless advocate for the people of Houston.”
“His legacy of public service and dedication to Texas will live on,” he said.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said it was “deeply sad“on the death of his friend and colleague. “I will always cherish our friendship and the laughs we shared over the years,” Cruz said.
“No one worked harder for her community and if Houston needed something, she got it,” Senator Colin AllredD-Texas, he said.
Old Houston Mayor Sylvester Turnerwhom she ran to succeed last year, wrote that Jackson Lee’s work on the ground, as well as “her incredible ability to be everywhere, working every day for those who needed a champion, made her truly exceptional “.
Jackson Lee’s family said funeral arrangements for the congresswoman are pending.
“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.”
She leaves behind her husband, two children and two grandchildren.
This article was originally published in NBCNews. with
