Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) has died at age 74 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, her family announced Friday night.
“Today, it is with deep gratitude for the life she shared with us and an incredible sense of loss that we announce the passing of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee for Texas’ 18th Congressional District,” her family’s statement said. statement To read:
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) July 20, 2024
Jackson Lee served in Congress for more than three decades, making her one of the longest-serving women in U.S. history, and her family described her as a “fearless defender of the people.”
The statement also praised her “courageous fight for racial justice, criminal justice and human rights, with a particular focus on women and children.”
“Her legislative victories, from the establishment of the Juneteenth federal holiday to the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, influenced millions, but she impacted us most as our beloved wife, sister, mother and bebe,” Jackson Lee’s family added. “She will be missed, but her work will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice and democracy. May God bless you, Congressman, and may God bless the United States of America.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Jackson Lee announced his cancer diagnosis in early June, saying, [her] Doctors have come up with the best plan for targeting. [her] “Certain illnesses”
“The road ahead will not be easy but I believe God will make me strong,” the congressman said. statementWith prayer requests:
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/1WnKAN2CQs
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) June 3, 2024
The congressman ran for mayor of Houston in 2023, but lost to former state Sen. John Whitmire, a Democrat. Landslide.
Flashback: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee announces run for Houston mayor
City Cathedral Church
