Texas Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Dies At 74-Years-Old
Democratic Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died Friday evening at 74-years-old, according to an announcement from her office. In a statement published on the late Texas lawmaker’s X (formerly known as Twitter) account…
Democratic Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died Friday evening at 74-years-old, according to an announcement from her office.
In a statement published on the late Texas lawmaker’s X (formerly known as Twitter) account, Lee’s office announced the passing and acknowledged her work within the state. While it is unclear what the cause of death was, Lee revealed in early June she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“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 of the 18th Congressional District of Texas,” the statement read.
“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.”
Prior to her Congressional seat Lee had set her political aspirations to run for judgeships in Houston, however, was unsuccessful three times, FOX16 Houston reported. By the late 80s, Lee was appointed to a municipal judge seat by former Democratic Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire, leading to her rise in politics for the House.
Since 1995, Lee has held her position in Congress defeating former Democratic Texas Rep. Craig Washington in 1994 for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, according to FOX26 Houston.
In 2012, the late representative also announced that she had been cancer free after a battle with breast cancer.