Sheila Jackson Lee Passes Away

Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D) has passed away. Her family announced this evening that the Texas Democrat, who served more than three decades in the House, had passed away at the age of 74.

In a social media post, Rep. Lee's family announced that "today, with incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas."

The cause of death was not specified, but the announcement comes just over one month after Rep. Lee announced that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Rep. Lee was first elected to the House in 1994. After defeating then-incumbent Rep. Craig Washington (D), she defeated her Republican opponent to win Texas' District 18 congressional seat. In the House, she served on the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget Committees.

In the statement released on her X account, her family writes, "a local, national, and international humanitarian, she was acknowledged worldwide for her courageous fights for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children."

“Her legislative victories impacted millions, from establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act."

Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a statement after the news of her passing, calling her a "dear friend and colleague."

"She has written and passed key legislation and has stood on the floor of the United States House of Representatives speaking passionately for the interests of her district and the country she loved," Mayor Turner said in his statement, "she has worked with and advised Presidents of our great country, met with global leaders, and has been embraced by world renowned artists. But her work on the ground, in some of the poorest and under-resourced communities; the channeling of billions of federal dollars back to her district; her presence at someone’s bedside, giving words of comfort to families who lost loved ones; her appearances at places of worship and events showcasing the global diversity of our City; and her uncanny ability to be everywhere, working every day for those who needed a champion, made her truly exceptional."