Houston Democrat and Longtime Progressive Advocate Sheila Jackson Lee Passes Away at 74
Sheila Jackson Lee, a prominent Houston Democrat and a stalwart in Texas’ congressional delegation, passed away on Friday following a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 74 years old.
Her family shared the news of her passing on Friday evening: “With incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas.” Her death was confirmed by her chief of staff, Lillie Conley.
A native of Queens, New York, who was born on Jan. 12, 1950, Jackson Lee graduated from Yale and earned her law degree at the University of Virginia.
Jackson Lee’s political journey began when she was a judge in Houston. She was elected to Houston City Council in 1989 and ran for Congress in 1994. Over the years, she solidified her position in Congress and in Houston, building strong connections within the Democratic Party. Colleagues from both parties remembered Jackson Lee’s dedication to her constituents.
President Joe Biden lauded Jackson Lee’s relentless dedication to her causes in a statement released on Saturday: “No matter the issue – from delivering racial justice to building an economy for working people – she was unrelenting in her leadership. Always fearless, she spoke truth to power and represented the power of the people of her district in Houston with dignity and grace.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, said in a post that Jackson Lee was “a proud Texan and a tireless advocate for the people of Houston.”
“Her legacy of public service and dedication to Texas will live on,” Abbott said.
Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) wrote on X: “Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was a fierce advocate for Houston and her constituents. No one worked harder for her community and if Houston needed something, she got it done.”
Sen. Ted Cruz also noted her advocacy for her home city. The Texas Republican added on X: “I will always cherish our friendship & the laughs we shared throughout the years.”
Jackson Lee was known for her progressive stance on various issues. She opposed the Iraq War early on, championed gay rights, and in 2021, was arrested for civil disobedience while advocating for a federal voting rights bill. By the time of her death, she held senior positions on the House Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget committees.
Jackson Lee’s family said that funeral arrangements for the congresswoman are pending.
She is survived by her husband, two children and two grandchildren.
