Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee passed away at the age of 74 following a bout with cancer, her family said in a statement on Friday.
Serving Texas’ 18th Congressional District, Jackson Lee represented her Houston area constituents for nearly three decades.
“A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as ‘Congresswoman’ by her constituents in recognition of her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years,” the family said.
The statement cited making Juneteenth a federal holiday and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act as two of her legislative accomplishments.
“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,” the family said.
She is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee, and her two children, Jason and Erica.
Despite her left-wing positions, Jackson Lee was quick to denounce the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump last Saturday. Unlike members of the Dallas City Council, she issued a statement right away, wishing Trump a speedy recovery and condemning the incident.
“The violence that occurred today during a political rally is deeply disturbing and goes counter to everything the United States represents as the world’s oldest democracy. Political violence has no place in the United States,” Jackson Lee said. “This incident should be a catalyst for renewing our commitment to not allow violence to infect the political life of our nation. My prayers are with the families who have been severely impacted by today’s unfortunate events.”
Jackson Lee was the Democratic chief deputy whip for the U.S. House of Representatives. She also sat on the House Judiciary Committee, the House Budget Committee, and the House Homeland Security Committee.
“She was appointed the first female Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, which she now chairs,” her office’s website states.
Her work extended beyond legislative duties. She was actively involved in community outreach and was a prominent voice during times of crisis in the Houston area, advocating for disaster relief and recovery efforts.
“Jackson Lee was a patriot and a fighter to the very end,” the Congressional Black Caucus said in a statement, according to Fox News. “Words cannot express the sense of loss our Caucus feels for our beloved friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”