Texas Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died Friday evening at age 74, her office announced.
In a statement posted to the late Texas lawmaker's Twitter account, Lee's office announced her passing and praised her work in the state. The cause of death is unknown, but Lee revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early June. (Related story: Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announces pancreatic cancer diagnosis)
“Today, we announce the passing of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson for Texas' 18th Congressional District, with deep sadness over her loss but with deep gratitude for the life she shared with us,” the statement said.
“A local, national and international humanitarian, she has been recognized worldwide for her courageous fight for racial justice, criminal justice and human rights, with a special focus on women and children.”
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) July 20, 2024
Before joining the House of Representatives, Lee had political ambitions of running for judge in Houston three times, but failed. FOX16 Houston reportBy the late '80s, Lee had risen in politics, having been appointed city judge by former Democratic Houston Mayor Cathy Whitmire and serving in the House of Representatives.
Lee defeated former Democratic Texas Rep. Craig Washington in Texas' 18th Congressional District in 1994 and has served in the House of Representatives since 1995, according to FOX26 Houston.
In 2012, the late CEO also announced that she had been cured of breast cancer after battling the disease.
“Her legislative victories influenced millions, from the establishment of the Juneteenth federal holiday to the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act,” the statement continued. “But she also made an impact as our beloved wife, sister, mother, and bebe. She will be missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy. May God bless you, Congressman, and may God bless the United States of America.”
Lee set his sights on a bid for mayor of Houston last year, but ultimately lost the race to Texas Democratic Sen. John Whitmire in early December.
During her time in Congress, Rep. Lee ran a progressive platform focused on issues such as social justice, LGBTQ rights and immigration. She is survived by her husband, Elwin Lee, her two children, Jason Lee and Erica Lee, and two grandchildren, Ellison Bennett Carter and Roy Lee Carter.
Funeral arrangements are pending, her office said.
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