Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Dies at 74

Longtime Advocate for Racial Justice Passes Away

Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat from Texas known for her advocacy for racial justice and progressive causes, died on Friday at the age of 74. Her family announced her passing in a statement, revealing that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Service

The Congressional Black Caucus, in a statement released late Friday, described Ms. Jackson Lee as “a titan” and “a fierce advocate for social and economic justice, national and homeland security, energy independence, and children and working families.”

Ms. Jackson Lee, who began her political career as a member of the Houston City Council, was elected to Congress in 1994. She quickly became known for her relentless lobbying and securing speaking time, establishing herself as a significant presence in the House.

Career Highlights

Throughout her tenure, she served as chairwoman of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security and held senior positions on the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget.

A Personal Battle

In June, she disclosed her pancreatic cancer diagnosis to her constituents, expressing hope and faith for recovery. “By God’s grace, I will be back at full strength soon,” she had said.

Early Life and Education

Born on January 12, 1950, in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee was among the first women to graduate from Yale University. She served as a Houston municipal judge and a city councilwoman before her election to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District in 1994.

Champion of Progressive Causes

Jackson Lee was known for her outspoken advocacy for Black Americans and progressive interests. She sponsored legislation to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday and frequently spoke out against police brutality, advocating for federal legislation to prosecute police misconduct.

She was also admired for her opposition to the Iraq War and was a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump, challenging the tallying of electoral votes certifying Trump as the winner of the 2016 election due to claims of voter suppression.

A Loss to the Community

Her family remembered her as “a fierce champion of the people” and noted her ubiquitous presence and service to the daily lives of her constituents for over 30 years. She was affectionately known simply as “Congresswoman” by those she served.