United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, who represented Houston in Congress for nearly 30 years, during which time she led efforts to make Juneteenth a federal holiday and helped author the Violence Against Women Act, has died at age 74.
Rep. Jackson Lee's family confirmed her death in a statement Friday. In June, Jackson Lee revealed she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“Today, with incredible sadness for our loss but with deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas’ 18th Congressional District,” her family said in a statement.
“She was a fierce champion of the people, and her constituents simply called her ‘Congresswoman’ in recognition of her constant presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years.”
Jackson Lee, a Democrat, was born and raised in Queens, New York, before moving to Houston with her husband, Elwin Lee. After serving five years on the Houston City Council, Jackson Lee ran for the district's U.S. House seat in 1994, easily winning. She officially began representing the district in January 1995, and served in that position until her death on Friday.
“Her legislative victories impacted millions of people, from establishing the Juneteenth federal holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act,” the family statement continued. “Yet most of all, she impacted us as our beloved wife, sister, mother, and baby (grandmother). We will miss her deeply, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy. God bless you, Congresswoman, and God bless the United States of America.”
“She was a fearless fighter for the people of Houston, one of the nation’s most effective leaders, and a wonderful friend to Hillary and me,” Bill and Hillary Clinton said in a statement Saturday following Jackson Lee’s death. “For nearly 30 years in Congress, she was an unwavering champion for women and children, a powerful advocate for gun reform, a relentless defender of the Constitution and the cause of justice, a vital leader of the Congressional Black Caucus, and so much more.”
“Representative Jackson Lee has built an incredible legislative record in Congress on behalf of Houston and our country,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement about her “dear friend.” “As a powerful voice in Congress for our Constitution and human rights, she has fought tirelessly to advance fairness, equality, and justice for all. In a testament to her tireless determination, Representative Jackson Lee was the author and lead sponsor of legislation that established Juneteenth as the first new federal holiday in 38 years. As author of the Violence Against Women Act, she has been a champion for women’s rights.”
