Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), who served in Congress for nearly three decades, has died at age 74, her family announced Friday night.
“Today, it is with deep sadness at her passing but with deep gratitude for the life she shared with us that we announce the passing of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee for Texas’ 18th Congressional District,” her family said in a statement. statement It was shared on X’s girlfriend’s account.
Her family did not disclose the cause of death, but the news comes just a month after the congresswoman revealed she had been diagnosed with and was undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Jackson Lee was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1994, defeating then-incumbent Rep. Craig Washington (D-Texas) in the Democratic primary, and then defeated his Republican opponent in the general election, beginning his nearly 30-year term in the House.
The congressman served on the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget committees.
“A local, national and international humanitarian, she was recognized worldwide for her courageous fight for racial justice, criminal justice and human rights, particularly the rights of women and children,” Jackson Lee’s family said in a statement Friday night.
“Her legislative victories have impacted millions of people, from the establishment of the Juneteenth federal holiday to the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act,” they added.
Jackson Lee won the Democratic primary for Texas’ 18th congressional district in March after a fiercely contested election. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Houston.
The congresswoman’s family announced her death on Friday evening and paid tribute to her service.
“[S]”He influenced us most greatly as our beloved wife, sister, mother and bebe (grandmother),” the family statement read. “She will be truly missed, but her legacy will continue to be an inspiration to all who believe in freedom, justice and democracy.”
Updated at 11:19 PM ET.
