- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a longtime Texas Democrat, has died at age 74, her family announced.
- Lee announced last month that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
- He has served as a representative for Texas’ 18th congressional district since 1995.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a longtime Democratic congresswoman from Texas, has died at age 74, her family announced Friday.
“A staunch champion of the people, he was affectionately and simply known as ‘Congressman’ by his constituents in recognition of his nearly ubiquitous presence and dedication to their daily lives for over 30 years,” read a statement posted by the family on X.
Lee has served as a representative for Texas’ 18th congressional district since 1995 and is an outspoken anti-racism advocate and supporter of women’s rights.
“Her legislative victories impacted millions, from establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. But her greatest impact on us was as our beloved wife, sister, mother, and Bebe (grandmother). She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy.”
In a statement last month, Lee announced in a social media post that he had been battling a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
“Please pray for me and my family as you always do. Know that you will always be in my prayers,” he wrote in the announcement. “As always, God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”
“I have never known a political leader who worked harder than Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who studied every bill and every amendment carefully and then told Texas and America exactly where she stood,” said Rep. Maryland Jamie Raskin in a memorial post for the congressman.
New York Sen. Chuck Schumer described Lee’s passing as a “tremendous loss,” writing in a post on X that he “fought hard his entire life to make our country a better place for everyone.”
“May his memories be a blessing,” Schumer added.
Representatives for Lee’s office did not immediately respond to Business Insider’s request for comment.
