Sheila Jackson Lee Cause Of Death: Congresswoman Dies At 74 After Battle With Pancreatic Cancer
Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas has died, her family announced Friday. She was 74.
In a statement posted via Jackson Lee's account on X, formerly Twitter, her family expressed their "incredible grief" over her passing and "deep gratitude for the life she shared" with them.
A cause of death was not disclosed in the statement, but last month, Jackson Lee revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
At the time, the 15-term congresswoman said she was undergoing treatment and acknowledged that "the road ahead will not be easy."
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) July 20, 2024
Jackson Lee's family went on to describe her as a "fierce champion of the people" and a "local, national, and international humanitarian."
"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," their statement read.
They also highlighted the impact Jackson Lee had on them as a "beloved" wife, sister, mother and grandmother.
"She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy," the family wrote.
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Funeral arrangements had not been finalized as of this writing.
Jackson Lee was first elected to represent Texas' 18th Congressional District in 1994, according to CNN.
In March, she won a Democratic primary for her seat, beating former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards.
She also ran for Houston mayor last year but lost to former Texas Sen. John Whitmire.
Tributes poured in for Jackson Lee on X following the announcement of her death.
"I'm at a loss for words so I'll just say rest easy, my friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee," Dallas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett wrote alongside a photo of her and the late politician.
Democratic Rep. Colin Allred of Texas also shared a photo of Jackson Lee and praised her as "a fierce advocate for Houston and her constituents."
"No one worked harder for her community and if Houston needed something, she got it done," he added. "Her passing is a great loss and my condolences go to her family, friends and the people of Houston."
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was a fierce advocate for Houston and her constituents. No one worked harder for her community and if Houston needed something, she got it done.
— Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) July 20, 2024
Her passing is a great loss and my condolences go to her family, friends and the people of Houston. pic.twitter.com/4CBOAVGQu9
