United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), who has represented the 18th Congressional District of Texas since 1995, passed away on July 20th at the age of 74 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Her family released a statement announcing her passing and celebrating her life.
Today, 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.
Rep. Jackson Lee served in Congress for over 30 years and was one of the longest-serving congresswomen in U.S. history. Her family remembered her as a “fierce champion of the people,” whose “courageous fights for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children” left a lasting impact.
The statement also highlighted some of Jackson Lee’s legislative accomplishments, including establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. Her family said she will be “dearly missed,” but her legacy will continue to inspire those who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy.
Jackson Lee announced her cancer diagnosis in early June, expressing confidence that her doctors had developed a plan to target her specific disease. She requested prayers from the public.
The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.
The congresswoman ran an unsuccessful campaign for mayor of Houston in 2023, losing to former State Sen. John Whitmire (D. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.