Members of Congress took to social media to remember Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), who died Friday night at age 74.
Many of her colleagues spoke highly of Lee’s nearly three-decade career in Washington, calling her a “fierce advocate” and “fighter for justice.”
Her family announced her death in a statement Friday but did not give a cause of death, but the news came just over a month after the Texas Democrat revealed she had been diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Jackson Lee was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1994. He serves on the House Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget Committees. He also served as House Democratic Leader and Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Colleagues posted messages praising the congressman’s time in office and offering condolences to his family.
Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett The photo has been posted A photo was posted on social media platform X of two women dressed in pink.
“Tonight, people across Texas are mourning the loss of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a legend, a true social justice leader, public servant and my friend,” Crockett said, adding that Jackson Lee was a “fierce advocate” who never backed down.
“If you want a living example of servant leadership, look no further than Congresswoman Jackson Lee. She was compassionate, tenacious, and above all, always willing to put in the work!” she wrote.
Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) described Jackson Lee as “strict, principled and compassionate.”
“As a black woman in Texas, you faced racism and misogyny and yet conducted yourself in a way that earned you respect.” Castro wrote to X.“I don’t think people realize how hard you work every day.”
Castro said Jackson Lee made a huge difference to the community, Houston and the country. “Sheila, you were a really important person,” Castro added.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she learned of Jackson Lee’s death with “deep sadness.”
“Congressman Jackson Lee has had an incredible legislative record in Congress serving Houston and our country.” Pelosi posted online. “As a powerful voice on behalf of our nation’s Constitution and human rights, she worked tirelessly to promote fairness, equity and justice for all people.”
Pelosi said the House Democratic Caucus was fortunate to have known Jackson Lee and that “she will be truly missed.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) also said in X’s post that she was “heartbroken” to hear of Jackson Lee’s death.
“In her last email to me, she said she had always been a warrior. That’s who she was. Always fighting for the people, fighting for justice.” Jayapal writes: “Love and comfort to her loved ones. May she rest in peace.”
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) highlighted Jackson Lee’s work ethic. Her social media posts
“Sheila Jackson Lee was a true legislator and committed to important public policy. She spent every single day, every single minute, every single amendment, rewriting the rules and challenging the system using every tool available to lawmakers,” Waters said. “Her time in Congress was truly meaningful.”
Waters said she will miss having a woman from Texas in the House of Representatives who “deserves to go down in history.”
Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, called the news a “great loss.”
“My condolences go out to @JacksonLeeTX18’s next of kin, staff and relatives. This is a huge loss for people all over the world who have suffered injustice,” he said. I wrote to X“Her physical presence is gone, but her spiritual presence will live on in all who knew her. #SheilaJacksonLee.”
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) offered condolences to those affected by Jackson Lee’s death.
“She will be forever remembered for her dedication to public service and her advocacy for justice and equality.” Meeks said online. “My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.”
Rep. Cori Bush (D-Missouri) highlighted Jackson Lee’s commitment to criminal and justice reform and fighting for Black Americans.
“From her leadership on criminal justice reform and reparations to her commitment to the people of Houston, she was a force to be reckoned with.” Bush posted. “I send my love to her family, loved ones and constituents.”
Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) also shared a photo of him and Jackson Lee from their time working together on the House Pakistan Caucus.
“Sheila was a courageous advocate for racism, crime and social justice, a trusted colleague and a valued friend.” Suozzi wrote.
Colleagues on the other side also offered their condolences.
Rep. Byron Donald (R-Fla.) described the late congresswoman as a “dedicated public servant.”
“Sheila Jackson Lee was a dedicated public servant who represented the people of Houston for more than 30 years in federal and local government,” he said. I wrote to X“Erica and I pray for the Congresswoman’s family’s strength and may her memory be a blessing.”
Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina said she was “saddened” to learn of Jackson Lee’s death.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee,” she said. Posts “We pray for her family and for her eternal rest.”
Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) Post again Saturday will be “The End of an Era” in her honor.
Jackson Lee is survived by her husband, Erwin Lee, and their two children.
