U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a stalwart of Texas’ Congressional delegation and a champion for progressive causes, passed away on Friday at the age of 74 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Jackson Lee, a Houston Democrat, was renowned for her unwavering advocacy on Capitol Hill and her deep-rooted connections within the Democratic Party.
Jackson Lee’s political career began in 1994 when she won a surprising victory over four-term U.S. Rep. Craig Washington in the Democratic primary.
Over the years, she cemented her position in Congress and in her community, establishing ties with the upper echelons of the Democratic Party.
Throughout her tenure, Jackson Lee was a vocal advocate for various progressive issues.
She was an early opponent of the Iraq War and a steadfast supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. In 2021, she was arrested during a civil disobedience demonstration advocating for federal voting rights legislation.
At the time of her passing, she was a senior member of the House Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget Committees, known for her readiness to speak out on the House floor and in front of the cameras.
Jackson Lee was also a well-known figure in her 18th Congressional District, which encompasses Downtown Houston. She was frequently seen attending local events, from graduations and funerals to baby showers, and was known for her tenacity in securing federal funds for her district.
Notably, in 2009, she secured $1 billion for Houston’s light rail system after personally lobbying then-Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood before President Barack Obama’s first joint address to Congress.
Her persistence was noted by many, including U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey, who in 2017 described her as “a real combative advocate” who fervently supported the causes and people she believed in.
Despite her illness, Jackson Lee remained active in her duties until recent months, missing several votes in May and June. She had announced a run for Houston mayor last year, a campaign that became controversial after a leaked tape revealed her berating her staff with profanities. Despite endorsements from key figures like outgoing Mayor Sylvester Turner and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, she lost the race to former-state Sen. John Whitmire.
Born in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee was a Yale University graduate and received her law degree from the University of Virginia. She moved to Houston after her husband, Elwyn Lee, accepted a position at the University of Houston. Before her congressional career, she served on the Houston City Council.
In Congress, Jackson Lee was known for her strong relationships with party leadership and her colleagues. She campaigned for friends in various districts and supported leadership positions within the Capitol.
Her advocacy was instrumental in several key political movements, including Nancy Pelosi’s bid to become House Speaker in 2018. Jackson Lee also made history as the first female Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime and Federal Government Surveillance and served as a prominent speaker at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
“Sheila is … a real combative advocate, in my opinion,” said U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, a New Jersey Democrat, in 2017. “When she believes in an issue or in a person she goes to bat.”
However, Jackson Lee’s career was not without controversy. She faced criticism for her high staff turnover and was labeled one of the “meanest” members of Congress by Washingtonian Magazine.
She expressed regret over her treatment of staff, attributing her behavior to her intense commitment to her constituents. She also noted that her white, male colleagues often did not face the same scrutiny for similar behavior, reflecting on her experiences with discrimination and sexism.
As the holder of the 18th Congressional District seat, Jackson Lee followed in the footsteps of trailblazers like Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman from a southern state elected to the House, and Mickey Leland, a former At-Large Majority Whip.
Jackson Lee’s legacy is marked by her relentless dedication to her constituents and her significant contributions to progressive causes. She leaves behind a lasting impact on both her district and the nation.
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