Additional Coverage:
- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee dead at 74 (newsbreak.com)
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) has passed away at the age of 74, according to a statement from her family released on Friday evening. The representative from Texas’s 18th Congressional District, who had served almost 30 years in the House, died following a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and subsequent treatment.
Jackson Lee was first elected to the House in 1994, overcoming incumbent Rep. Craig Washington in the Democratic primary before defeating the Republican candidate in the general election. During her tenure, she served on several key committees including the House Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget Committees.
Her family highlighted her advocacy in their announcement, noting her efforts in promoting racial justice, criminal justice reform, and human rights, particularly focusing on the rights of women and children. Among her significant legislative achievements were the establishment of the Juneteenth Federal Holiday and the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
Earlier this year, Jackson Lee secured another term by winning a closely contested Democratic primary for her district. This followed an unsuccessful bid for mayor of Houston.
The statement from her family also acknowledged her role as a devoted wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, fondly referred to as Bebe, and stated her passing would leave a profound void, but her legacy would remain an inspiration to those who champion freedom, justice, and democracy.
The news was updated late Friday night. For more coverage on this and other topics, visit The Hill’s website.
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- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee dead at 74 (newsbreak.com)