Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, has died at age 74. fighting cancerhis family announced Friday.
“Today, with incredible sadness at our loss, but deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of Sheila Jackson Lee, U.S. Representative from the 18th Congressional District of Texas,” her family said.
“A local, national and international humanitarian, she is recognized around the world for her courageous fight for racial justice, criminal justice and human rights, with a special focus on women and children,” the statement said.
Jackson Lee announced in June that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment.
The longtime congressman has served in the House of Representatives since 1995 and has a legacy of pushing for civil rights legislation.
Jackson Lee was the main sponsor Juneteenth National Independence Day Actand he introduced the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, as well as the George Floyd Trust and Integrity in Law Enforcement Act.
Jackson Lee said of Juneteenth in 2023: “It’s an American holiday. An American holiday is not just for black people.” MSNBC interview. “This is about freedom and democracy.”
Texas Democrat presented Legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, signed by President Joe Biden in 2022.
Jackson Lee was born in Queens, New York. A graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia School of Law, he served as a lawyer in private practice and as a consultant to the House Select Committee on Assassinations.
Before being elected to Congress, he went on to serve in Houston government as a City Councilman and municipal judge, where he sat on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget committees.
Jackson Lee ran for mayor of Houston in 2023, but ultimately lost in the second round Senator John Whitmire. He was then re-elected to the seat of his house.
Colleagues in Congress and political figures on both sides of the aisle remembered Jackson Lee and his commitment to his constituents.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, said in an article Jackson said Lee was “a proud Texan and a tireless advocate for the people of Houston.”
“His legacy of public service and commitment to Texas will live on,” he said.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said he “deeply saddened“On the death of a friend and colleague. “I will always cherish our friendship and the laughs we shared over the years,” Cruz said.
“No one worked harder for his community, and if Houston needed something, he did it.” Senator Colin AllredD-Texas said.
Past Houston Mayor Sylvester TurnerJackson Lee’s work on the ground, as well as “his uncanny ability to be everywhere, to work every day for those who need a champion, made him truly exceptional,” wrote the running back last year.
Jackson Lee’s family said a funeral for the congressman is pending.
“He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice and democracy,” the family’s statement concluded. “God bless the Congresswoman and God bless the United States of America.”
He is survived by his wife, two children and two grandchildren.