Iconic Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Dies at 74 After Decades of Service

Sheila Jackson Lee, Beloved Texas Congresswoman, Passes Away at 74

Sheila Jackson Lee, a long-serving U.S. Representative from Texas, died yesterday, aged 74. Known for her unrelenting campaign for women’s rights and her important role in creating the nineteenth of June a national holiday, Jackson Lee’s sudden passing was officially announced by former chief of staff, Lillie Conley. The congressman died of pancreatic cancer on Friday night, accompanied by his relatives in Houston.

Sheila Jackson Lee, who had been fighting breast cancer earlier, confirmed her pancreatic cancer diagnosis on June 2. In her declaration, she emphasized trust and resolve to tackle the tough path ahead. The path that lies ahead is not going to be easy; however, I stand in faith that the Almighty will strengthen me,” she added.

Bishop James Dixon, a lifelong friend from Houston, spoke about Sheila Jackson Lee’s perseverance and determination. “She was really a unique, rare diamond of a person who persistently offered everything she had in order to ensure others got what they needed. That was Sheila,” Dixon said.

Nominated as the representative of Houston’s district in 1995, Sheila Jackson Lee rapidly made her impact on the House Judiciary Committee. She replaced Barbara Jordan, who was the first black woman appointed to Congress, representing a southern state during Reconstruction. Jackson Lee recognized the privilege of following in Jordan’s footsteps, noting, “They had only recently discovered me, I guess from my profile, by means of Barbara Jordan’s work.”

Through her time in office, Jackson Lee advocated various social justice concerns. She was essential in amending the Law on Violence Against Women Act, introducing safeguards for Native American, LGBTQ, and immigrant women. She also played a significant role in the 2021 movement to declare Juneteenth as a federal holiday, marking the moment in 1865 when the last remaining enslaved African Americans from Galveston, Texas, learned of their release.

Jackson Lee’s activism stretched beyond women’s rights. A native of Queens, NY, New York, USA, and a Yale graduate with a law degree from the School of Law of Virginia, she worked as an attorney in Houston until being appointed to the Houston City Council in 1989. In Congress, she was an outspoken advocate of LGBT rights and a strong supporter of the Iraq War in 2003.

Prominent political officials instantly responded to the report of her demise. Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina described her as a “tenacious activist for rights for all and a tireless fighter, improving the everyday lives of her constituents.” Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland commended her dedication, noting she “learned about each legislation and every change with exactness afterwards and told Texas and America precisely in which she stood.” Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California emphasized Jackson Lee’s “relentless dedication” in obtaining the nineteenth of June as a national holiday. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, commended her unrelenting devotion to the people of Houston, noting, “Her legacy of public dedication and service to Texas will live on.”

Sheila Jackson Lee’s political performance was exceptional, consistently winning reelection by huge margins. Despite a temporary sabbatical to compete for Houston’s mayoral in 2023, she emerged to win the Democratic primary for the 2024 general election.

Her reign was not without controversy. Throughout the mayoral campaign, an unconfirmed audio clip supposedly catching Jackson Lee berating workers on staff emerged, causing her to express sorrow and underscore the necessity of treating everyone with decency and respect. In 2019, she stepped down from her leadership posts on the congressional Judiciary Committees and the Congressional Black Caucus Organization after a lawsuit from a former staffer claiming mishandling of a sexual assault report.

In a press release, the Sheila Jackson Lee family characterized her as a cherished spouse, sister, mother, and grandma, fondly known as Bebe. “I’m sure she will surely be dearly ignored, but her influence will keep motivating all who support liberty, equality, and our democracy,” the statement added. “God love you, Congresswoman, and God love the nation of America.”