Remembering Sheila Jackson Lee: A Legacy of Advocacy and Dedication
Longtime U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, a prominent figure in the fight against domestic violence and a key advocate for recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday, passed away at the age of 74. Lillie Conley, her chief of staff, confirmed that Jackson Lee succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Friday night in Houston, surrounded by her family.
Sheila Jackson Lee’s Career and Achievements
Sheila Jackson Lee had been a dedicated representative of her Houston-based district, the nation’s fourth-largest city, since 1995. Despite battling breast cancer in the past, she continued her public service until her pancreatic cancer diagnosis was announced on June 2. In her statement, Jackson Lee expressed her faith and determination to face the challenges ahead.
Bishop James Dixon, a long-time friend who visited her earlier in the week, praised Jackson Lee’s resilience and dedication. “She was a rare jewel of a person who gave everything to ensure others had what they needed,” Dixon remarked.
Elected to the Houston district once represented by Barbara Jordan, Jackson Lee was immediately placed on the high-profile House Judiciary Committee in 1995. “They saw me through my profile and Barbara Jordan’s work,” Jackson Lee told the Houston Chronicle in 2022, reflecting on her early days in Congress.
Advocacy for Women and Minorities
Jackson Lee quickly became known as a fierce advocate for women and minorities. She led the first major rewrite of the Violence Against Women Act in nearly a decade, which included protections for Native American, transgender, and immigrant women. She was also instrumental in the 2021 effort to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday, marking the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom.
Early Life and Education
Born in Queens, New York, Sheila Jackson Lee graduated from Yale and earned her law degree at the University of Virginia. Before her Congressional career, she served as a judge in Houston and was elected to the Houston City Council in 1989. She was an early advocate for gay rights and opposed the Iraq War in 2003.
Tributes from Colleagues
Top congressional Democrats and other political figures quickly expressed their condolences and praised Jackson Lee’s commitment. Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina described her as “a tenacious advocate for civil rights and a tireless fighter for her constituents.” Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland noted her diligent work ethic, stating she “studied every bill and every amendment with exactitude.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi highlighted Jackson Lee’s determination in getting Juneteenth declared a national holiday and her relentless fight for fairness, equity, and justice. Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called her a “tireless advocate for the people of Houston,” noting that her legacy of public service and dedication to Texas will live on.
Electoral Success and Challenges
Sheila Jackson Lee consistently won reelection to Congress with ease, often securing more than two-thirds of the vote. In 2023, she considered leaving Congress to become Houston’s first female Black mayor but was defeated in a runoff. She subsequently won the Democratic nomination for the 2024 general election.
During her mayoral campaign, Jackson Lee faced controversy over an unverified audio recording purportedly of her berating staff members. In 2019, she stepped down from leadership positions on the House Judiciary Committee and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation following a lawsuit alleging mishandling of a sexual assault complaint by a former employee.
Legacy and Family
Sheila Jackson Lee’s family remembered her as a beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, affectionately known as Bebe. “She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy,” the family’s statement read. “God bless you Congresswoman and God bless the United States of America.”
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Sheila Jackson Lee |
| Age | 74 |
| Cause of Death | Pancreatic cancer |
| Years in Office | Since 1995 |
| Major Contributions | Domestic violence protection, Juneteenth holiday |
| Education | Yale (Undergraduate), University of Virginia (Law) |
| Previous Positions | Judge, Houston City Council |
| Notable Legislative Efforts | Violence Against Women Act, Juneteenth Holiday |
Sheila Jackson Lee’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career dedicated to advocacy and public service, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Read more of the latest news at
