Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D., Texas) died on Friday at the age of 74, one month after having publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“Today, with deep 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 office said in a statement.
“A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as ‘Congresswoman’ by her constituents in recognition of her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years,” her office added.
Jackson Lee began her political career in 1989, when she was elected to an at-large Houston City Council seat. Prior to her time on the city council, she worked as a lawyer and judge. She had represented Texas’ 18th Congressional district since 1995.
The Congressional Black Caucus, of which Jackson Lee was a member, remembered her as a “titan” in a statement on Saturday.
“Jackson Lee was a patriot and a fighter to the very end,” the caucus said in a statement. “Words cannot express the sense of loss our Caucus feels for our beloved friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”
Over nearly 30 years in Congress, Jackson Lee served as chairwoman of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, and as a member of the Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget committees.
“A local, national, and international humanitarian, she was acknowledged worldwide for her courageous fights for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children,” her office said in a statement.
Jackson Lee was the author and lead sponsor of the 2021 bill to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
She ran an unsuccessful bid for Houston mayor last year against fellow Democrat, then-state senator John Whitmire.
She then announced she would run for her 16th term in Congress. She won her primary bid in March.
House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.) called Jackson Lee was an “inimitable force for change and a warrior for justice.”
“Sheila Jackson Lee was an accomplished legislator, passionate public servant, loving mentor and wonderful friend to so many of us in the Congressional Black Caucus and House Democratic Caucus family,” Jeffries said in a statement. “I am grateful for her fearless advocacy, fierce determination, formidable service and legacy of leadership. Rep. Jackson Lee will be deeply missed by so many in her district and throughout the nation. Our prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. May she forever rest in power.”
The longtime congresswoman is survived by her husband, Elwyn Cornelius Lee; their two children, Jason Cornelius Bennett and Erica Shelwyn; and her grandchildren.