Remembering Sheila Jackson Lee

On July 19, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee passed away at the age of 74. Jackson Lee represented Texas’ 18th Congressional District since 1995 and was campaigning for her 16th term in office when she announced she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was one of the two longest-serving members of the Texas congressional delegation.

Jackson Lee’s legislative accomplishments included establishing the Juneteenth federal holiday and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. She served Houston in elective office for close to 35 years, first as a Houston City Council member before winning election to the U.S. House in 1994. Jackson Lee was on three Congressional committees and was a senior member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Homeland Security and the Budget Committee.

Texas Democratic Party chairman Gilberto Hinojosa released a statement saying, “Known for her relentless advocacy, the congresswoman dedicated her life to public service, advancing civil rights, healthcare reform, and disaster recovery…And in the spirit of Sheila Jackson Lee’s legacy, we will march forward in our fierce commitment to fighting for justice, equality and opportunity for all.”