Ex-Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson dies at 88

Former Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), who served in the House of Representatives for 30 years, has died at the age of 88, her family announced Sunday.

“I am heartbroken to share the news of the passing of my mother, Eddie Bernice Johnson. She was not only a wonderful and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother, but also a pioneer and public servant. ” wrote son Kirk Johnson. in a Facebook post.

“While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman, we also celebrate her life and accomplishments. She will be greatly missed,” he added.

Johnson was born on December 3, 1935 in Waco, Texas. She then became a nurse and was voted to the Texas House of Representatives in 1972, making her the first black woman from Dallas to be elected to public office. She was then elected to the Texas State Senate in 1987, and she served in the same state until 1992 when she decided to run for the House of Representatives, where she won in a landslide. I did.

She served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and was the first black congresswoman and woman to chair the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Tributes to the pioneering lawmaker began pouring in on social media on Sunday.

“Past Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, the first registered nurse elected to Congress, the first Black woman elected to Congress from Dallas, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. “Congressman Johnson was a pioneer in serving his constituents and his country. He served honorably in the United States Congress for 30 years,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Stephen Horsford (D-Nev.). said in a statement.

Horsford's statement also detailed his accomplishments during his time in public service, including his work to improve transportation for Texans.

“Congressman Johnson was instrumental in providing hundreds of millions of dollars to revitalize Texas transportation, particularly the Southern Gateway Project and the DART rail system. The DART and Amtrak rail center was renamed the Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station in her will, “an honor,'' Horsford said.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who was endorsed by Mr. Johnson in 2022, said the late congressman was a “silent storm.” in a statement.

“The President did not take lightly the idea of ​​passing on the torch, and similarly, I did not take lightly the entrusted to me by her to honor her work and accomplishments. “This is a day dedicated to continuing her work and fulfilling her role. This work has not been easy, but it has been and continues to be a noble work,” Crockett said.

Congressman James Clyburn (DS.C.) also he expressed his condolences To Johnson's family and friends.

“Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and I joined Congress in the same year, but our friendship began 20 years ago. She is a valued colleague, someone I have confidence in and trust. , and most importantly, a dear friend,” Clyburn said.