Sheila Jackson Lee, Longtime Texas Congresswoman and Progressive Advocate, Dies at 74
WASHINGTON — Sheila Jackson Lee, a stalwart Houston Democrat and one of the longest-serving members of Texas’ Congressional delegation, passed away on Friday at the age of 74. The seasoned lawmaker had announced her battle with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
Jackson Lee, renowned for her unwavering commitment to progressive causes, began her congressional career in 1994 by defeating four-term U.S. Rep. Craig Washington in a Democratic primary. Over the years, she became a fixture in Congress and a notable figure in Houston, known for her strong connections within the Democratic Party.
WASHINGTON — Sheila Jackson Lee, a stalwart Houston Democrat and one of the longest-serving members of Texas’ Congressional delegation, passed away on Friday at the age of 74. The seasoned lawmaker had announced her battle with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
Jackson Lee, renowned for her unwavering commitment to progressive causes, began her congressional career in 1994 by defeating four-term U.S. Rep. Craig Washington in a Democratic primary. Over the years, she became a fixture in Congress and a notable figure in Houston, known for her strong connections within the Democratic Party.
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00:00Today is Saturday, July 20, 2024.
00:04Sheila Jackson Lee, longtime Texas congresswoman and progressive advocate, dies at 74.
00:11Washington Sheila Jackson Lee, a stalwart Houston Democrat and one of the longest-serving
00:16members of Texas congressional delegation, passed away on Friday at the age of 74.
00:23The seasoned lawmaker had announced her battle with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
00:28Jackson Lee, renowned for her unwavering commitment to progressive causes, began her congressional
00:34career in 1994 by defeating four-term U.S. Rep. Craig Washington in a Democratic primary.
00:42Over the years, she became a fixture in Congress and a notable figure in Houston, known for
00:47her strong connections within the Democratic Party.
00:51A prominent advocate on Capitol Hill, Jackson Lee was an early opponent of the Iraq War
00:56and a staunch supporter of gay rights.
00:59Her activism was evident in 2021 when she was arrested for civil disobedience over a
01:04federal voting rights bill.
01:07By the time of her death, she held senior positions on the House Judiciary, Homeland
01:12Security and Budget committees.
01:15Her dynamic presence on the House floor and in front of cameras underscored her dedication
01:19to the causes she championed.
01:22The 18th Congressional District, which includes downtown Houston, Jackson Lee was a familiar
01:28face at local events, from graduations to funerals and baby showers.
01:33Her persistence and chutzpah were instrumental in securing federal funds for Houston.
01:39In 2009, she successfully obtained $1 billion for the city�s light rail system by lobbying
01:45then-Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood ahead of President Barack Obama�s joint address
01:50to Congress.
01:52�Sheila is, a real combative advocate, in my opinion,� said U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone,
01:59a New Jersey Democrat, in 2017.
02:04When she believes in an issue or in a person she goes to bat.
02:08Her illness, however, increasingly kept her at home this year, leading her to miss numerous
02:13votes in May and June.
02:16Despite her health challenges, Jackson Lee remained active in politics, even announcing
02:21a run for Houston mayor last year.
02:24The campaign faced turmoil after a leaked tape revealed her berating staff, contributing
02:29to her loss against former state Sen. John Whitmire.
02:34Jackson Lee also faced a competitive primary challenge from Amanda Edwards, a former intern
02:39in her office.
02:41Despite this, she secured endorsements from key Democratic figures, including President
02:46Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack
02:51Obama, ultimately winning the primary by a significant margin.
02:56Born in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee graduated from Yale University in 1972 and the University
03:03of Virginia Law School in 1975.
03:07She moved to Houston following her husband Elwynn Lee�s appointment at the University
03:10of Houston.
03:12Before her congressional career, she served on the Houston City Council.
03:17In Congress, Jackson Lee built strong alliances within her party, campaigning for leadership
03:23positions and advocating for her colleagues.
03:26She played a significant role in supporting Nancy Pelosi�s leadership and served as
03:30one of the ten deputies to House Minority Whip Katharine Clark.
03:35Her influence was recognized when she became the first female ranking member of the Judiciary
03:40Subcommittee for Crime and Federal Government Surveillance.
03:44Prominent figures paid tribute to Jackson Lee late Friday.
03:48Rodney Ellis, a longtime state senator and Harris County commissioner, praised her dedication,
03:54through crises and disasters, as well as triumphs, �Sheila�s ceaseless and unwavering dedication
04:00to those she represented served as an inspiration and source of strength to me in my career.�
04:06Former Houston mayor Sylvester Turner highlighted her impact on the community, her work on
04:11the ground, in some of the poorest and under-resourced communities, the channeling of billions of
04:16federal dollars back to her district, her presence at someone�s bedside, giving words
04:22of comfort to families who lost loved ones, her appearances at places of worship and events
04:27showcasing the global diversity of our city, and her uncanny ability to be everywhere,
04:33working every day for those who needed a champion, made her truly exceptional.
04:39Jackson Lee followed in the footsteps of trailblazers like Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland, who
04:44previously held the 18th Congressional District seat.
04:48Despite facing criticism for her demanding nature and high staff turnover, she remained
04:53steadfast in her mission to serve her constituents.
04:57Reflecting on her career, Jackson Lee acknowledged the challenges she faced, �I�m a woman
05:02of a certain era,� she told the Tribune in 2017. �I think I�ve been a victim of
05:08discrimination, sexism, and even racism, frankly. I do the work in this office. I do it quietly
05:16and consistently, and I check off the boxes of who�s being helped and who�s in need.�
05:22Sheila Jackson Lee�s legacy as a dedicated public servant and advocate for progressive
05:26causes will be remembered by many.