U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee was a "champion" of her community
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U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) at the Juneteenth bill signing ceremony in June 2021 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Joshua Roberts/Getty Images
U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), one of the longest-serving members of Congress, has died, her family announced Friday evening. She leaves behind a legacy of advocating for racial equality, women's rights and her city.
- She was 74 and had announced in June that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer while running for her 16th term.
"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 family wrote in a statement Friday.
The big picture: She was known for her advocacy for women and Black people and for her work leading the effort to make Juneteenth a national holiday.
- She had represented the 18th Congressional District, including parts of Houston, since 1995. She was known for her relentless work ethic, her speeches, and for consistently showing up.
President Joe Biden said Saturday that Jackson Lee "spoke truth to power and represented the power of the people," noting her efforts to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and reintroduce the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
- Vice President Kamala Harris called Jackson Lee "a tenacious advocate for justice, a tireless fighter for the people of Houston and the people of America, and a dear friend for many years," highlighting her disaster relief work after Hurricane Harvey. "No task was too small so long as it was the right thing to do," she added.
What they're saying: Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner paid tribute, saying "her uncanny ability to be everywhere, working every day for those who needed a champion, made her truly exceptional."
- "We will remember her barrier-breaking career, her smarts, her passion, and her ability to weather storm after storm as a strong woman in politics," said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
- Houston Mayor John Whitmire called Jackson Lee "a dedicated public servant and a champion for her constituents."
Between the lines: Jackson Lee was up for re-election in November.
- Under state law, the Harris County Democratic Party's executive committee has until Aug. 26 to nominate a candidate to run against Lana Centonze, the Republican candidate, in the general election on Nov. 5.
What's next: Funeral arrangements for the congresswoman are pending.