A long-serving Democratic congresswoman from Texas has died.
Sheila Jackson Lee has died at the age of 74, her family announced in a statement on Friday.
“Today, with incredible grief for our loss but profound gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas’ 18th Congressional District,” the statement read.
The 15-term congresswoman was an outspoken advocate for black Americans for decades.
In June, Jackson Lee announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. At the time, he warned his constituents that he would likely be “absent occasionally” from Congress while undergoing treatment.
Sheila Jackson Lee (pictured) has died at the age of 74, her family announced in a statement on Friday.
“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I am currently receiving treatment to combat this disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year,” Jackson Lee said in a statement in June.
“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to treat my specific illness. The road ahead will not be easy, but I have faith that God will strengthen me.”
Jackson Lee was born in Queens, New York, and attended Yale University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
She was a member of the Democratic Party and served as an at-large member of the Houston City Council before being elected to the House of Representatives.
The 15-term congresswoman was an outspoken advocate for African Americans for decades.
The congresswoman was elected to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District, which includes much of downtown Houston and surrounding areas. It has been the downtown Houston district since 1972.
The congresswoman was elected to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District, which includes much of downtown Houston and surrounding areas. It has been the downtown Houston district since 1972.
In March 2023, Jackson Lee announced his candidacy for mayor of Houston.
He finished second in the first round behind state Sen. John Whitmire, but ultimately lost the election in a landslide to his fellow Democrat.
Jackson Lee has been outspoken on racial issues and suggested changing the naming practices of tropical cyclones and hurricanes to include “all racial groups,” saying that Weather organizations should “try to be inclusive of African Americans.” Names.’
