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Longserving Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has died

July 20, 2024 | | Print Article

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) has passed away at the age of 74 years old, succumbing after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

The Texas Democrat who last year lost her bid to become the mayor of Houston died on Friday, leaving a hole in the hearts of grieving constituents in the state’s 18th congressional district which she has represented for 30 years, over a month after she revealed that she had been diagnosed with the disease.

“Today, with deep 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 of the 18th Congressional District of Texas,” the deceased congresswoman’s office announced in a statement.

“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 statement read. “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.”

Lee was the driving force behind the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, an accomplishment that was largely made possible by the “racial reckoning” in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd who grew up in Houston. She stood beside President Joe Biden when he signed the bill in June 2021 recognizing the day.

“Her legislative victories impacted millions, from establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. However, she impacted us most as our beloved wife, sister, mother, and Bebe (grandmother). She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy. God bless you Congresswoman and God bless the United States of America,” the statement from Lee’s office read.

News of the congresswoman’s death brought an outpouring of condolences on X.

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A staunch supporter of Biden, Lee was waging the battle against Trump until her last moments with a Friday post to her X account likely written by a staffer emphasizing the importance of the election.

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Lee recently made news after a recording of her berating staffers in a foul-mouthed manner was made public prior to the Houston mayoral election.

“I don’t want you to do a godd**n thing. I want you to have a f**king brain. I want you to have read it. I want you to say, Congresswoman, with such and such date,” Lee said in the audio.

“I want to convey to the people of Houston that I strongly believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and that includes my own staff. I know that I am not perfect,” Lee said in a statement apologizing for being caught verbally abusing her underlings as “f**k ups” and “f**king idiots” in her ugly diatribe.

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“I recognize that in my zeal to do everything possible to deliver for my constituents, I have in the past fallen short of my own standards and there is no excuse for that. I am passionate about serving my constituents. I want the best for all of them,” she said.

“Sheila Jackson Lee was an accomplished legislator, passionate public servant, loving mentor and wonderful friend to so many of us in the Congressional Black Caucus and House Democratic Caucus family,” Democrat House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement. “I am grateful for her fearless advocacy, fierce determination, formidable service and legacy of leadership. Rep. Jackson Lee will be deeply missed by so many in her district and throughout the nation. Our prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. May she forever rest in power.”

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Chris Donaldson
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