Farewell to Houston’s beloved ‘Congresswoman for the Culture’: Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee dies at 74
She was a Congresswoman for the Culture. Signature braid atop her crown and glory, Afro- centric garb, chocolate skin, a bright red lip, and never saw a camera she wouldn’t bless with her signature booming voice. Whether riding in a parade in an H-Town Slab (customized ‘candy paint’ vehicle), mounted on a motorcycle with Houston bike clubs, slapping the trunk of a vehicle after loading it with goods during disasters, or honoring community servants with proclamations, the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee left no stone unturned when it came to helping her constituents. The fierce fighter who tirelessly served Texas’ 18th District for the last three decades succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 74.
“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 Lee,” her family said in a released statement on July 19. “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.”
Jackson Lee announced her grim diagnosis in June, acknowledging that “the road ahead will not be easy” and saying she had “faith that God will strengthen me.”
Sadly, it was one of the few fights in her long life and career she ever lost.
Born on January 12, 1950, in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee was among the first women to graduate from Yale University and served as a Houston municipal judge and a city councilwoman before she was first elected to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District in 1994, unseating Democratic incumbent Craig Washington in the primary.
Throughout her career, Jackson Lee was a champion for numerous causes, notably her work on the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which established June 19th as a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. She also played a pivotal role in reintroducing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, aiming to address police misconduct and enhance transparency. Additionally, Jackson Lee was a staunch advocate for reparations for African Americans, introducing H.R. 40, a bill to establish a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans. She was one of the key faces of Houston when it came to COVID-19 awareness, the 2020 Census campaign, Hurricane Harvey and other natural disaster recovery efforts.
Jackson Lee’s legislative accomplishments were numerous and impactful. She was instrumental in the passage of the Violence Against Women Act and was a vocal advocate for wage equality and accommodations for pregnant workers. Her efforts extended beyond national borders as she addressed human rights issues on an international scale.
In addition to her congressional career, Jackson Lee recently ran for mayor of Houston, but the position ultimately went to Senator John Whitmire. Continuing, she remained a prominent figure in the political landscape of Houston and continued to advocate for the issues she was passionate about.
President Joe Biden praised the congresswoman, saying she was unrelenting in her leadership.
“Always fearless, she spoke truth to power and represented the power of the people of her district in Houston with dignity and grace,” a portion of his statement read. “Sheila Jackson Lee is part of a long line of patriots who delivered the promise of America to all Americans. May God bless our friend.”
Former Mayor Sylvester Turner remarked, “Even if you disagreed with her politics, you had to respect her work ethic. Sheila Jackson Lee left it all on the field.”
Those sentiments were shared by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
“Her strength and stamina were truly never-ending and her determination to rally a chorus to the fuse of justice was unwavering,” Hidalgo said.
Hidalgo and new Houston Mayor John Whitmire were alongside Jackson Lee at a recent press conference for Houston’s storm victims.
“Only a few months ago, we worked together at the Houston Office of Emergency Management and with FEMA to help Houstonians recover from the derecho. I ask Houstonians to join me in praying for her husband, children, grandchildren and extended family. May she rest in peace.”
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Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis also shared a heartfelt tribute about the beloved congresswoman.
“My friend, ally, and long-time political partner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, passed from this world and into the pantheon of legendary Texas leaders,” he said. “Holding dear the memory of those who pass before us is the greatest homage we can pay to those we love. And I know Sheila Jackson Lee will dwell fondly in our memories for years to come.”
Jackson Lee is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee, her children, Erica and Jason Lee, and her grandchildren.
Options for filling Jackson Lee’s vacant seat include a special election, as she was running to secure another term. Her most notable opponents in the upcoming election were Amanda Edwards, a former Houston City Council member, and Robert Slater Jr., a chef and business owner. Texas law requires the governor to call a special election to fill a vacancy in the U.S. House, ensuring her constituents will have continued representation.
