Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democratic representative from Texas, has passed away at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer. Her family announced her death in a statement, praising her as a local, national, and international humanitarian who fought for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, particularly for women and children. Jackson Lee had been serving in the House since 1995 and was known for her work on civil rights legislation, including sponsoring the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and the Violence Against Women Act.
She was a graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia Law School, and worked as a lawyer and staff counsel before entering politics. She served on the Houston City Council and as a municipal judge before being elected to Congress. Jackson Lee’s family said she will be dearly missed but that her legacy will continue to inspire those who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy. Funeral arrangements are pending, and she is survived by her husband, two children, and two grandchildren.
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