Lawmakers honor Sheila Jackson Lee after news of her death

Members of Congress took to social media to remember Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), who died Friday evening at the age of 74.

Many of her colleagues praised Lee’s nearly three-decade career in Washington, calling her a “passionate advocate” and “fighter” for justice.

Her family announced her death in a statement on Friday but did not give a cause of death. The news comes just a month after the Texas Democrat announced she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment.

She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1994. Jackson Lee has served on the House Judiciary Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the House Appropriations Committee. She has also served as Chief Deputy Whip for House Democrats and Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Her colleagues posted messages honoring the congresswoman’s time in office and expressing condolences to her family.

Texas Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett posted a photo of the two women in pink outfits on the social media platform X.

“Tonight, Texans everywhere mourn the loss of a legend, a true champion of social justice, a public servant and my friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee,” Crockett said, adding that the late Jackson Lee was a “passionate advocate” who never backed down.

“If you ever needed a living example of servant leadership, you could look no further – Congresswoman Jackson Lee was compassionate, resilient, and most importantly, always willing to do the work!” she wrote.

Representative Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) called Jackson Lee a “tough, principled and kind man.”

“As a black woman in Texas, despite the racism and misogyny you faced, you conducted yourself in a way that deserves respect,” Castro wrote on X. “I don’t think people realize how hard you worked every day.”

Castro said Jackson Lee made a difference for her community, for Houston and for the country. “You really mattered, Sheila,” he added.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of Jackson Lee’s death.

“Congresswoman Jackson Lee has delivered a remarkable legislative record in Congress for Houston and for our country,” Pelosi wrote online. “A strong voice for our Constitution and human rights, she fought tirelessly for fairness, equality and justice for all.”

Pelosi said the Democratic caucus in the House was fortunate to have known Jackson Lee, “and we will miss her greatly.”

Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) also said in a post on X that she was “heartbroken” when she heard of Jackson Lee’s death.

“In her last text message to me, she told me she was always a fighter. That’s who she was – always fighting for the people, for justice,” Jayapal wrote. “Love and comfort to her loved ones. May she rest in peace and strength.”

Representative Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) highlighted Jackson Lee’s work ethic in her social media post

“Sheila Jackson Lee was a true legislator who championed meaningful public policy. She spent every day on legislation, amendments, one-minute and five-minute bills, and used every tool available to members of Congress to rewrite the rules and challenge the system,” Waters said. “Her time in Congress was truly meaningful.”

Waters said she will miss the Texas congresswoman who “truly deserves her place in the annals of history!”

Representative Al Green, another Democrat from Texas, called the news a “great loss.”

“My condolences to @JacksonLeeTX18, his immediate family, staff and extended family. This is a great loss for people around the world who have suffered injustice,” he wrote on X. “Although we have lost her physical presence, her spiritual presence will live on in all who knew her. #SheilaJacksonLee.”

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) expressed his condolences to those affected by the death of Jackson Lee.

“Her dedication to public service and her advocacy for justice and equality will always be remembered,” Meeks said online. “My thoughts and prayers are with her family.”

Democratic Representative Cori Bush of Missouri emphasized Jackson Lee’s commitment to criminal and legal reform – and his fight for black rights.

“From her leadership on criminal justice reform and reparations to her commitment to the people of Houston, she was a force to be reckoned with,” Bush wrote. “I send love to her family, loved ones and constituents.”

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) also shared a photo of himself and Jackson Lee serving together in the House Pakistan Caucus.

“Sheila was a fearless advocate for racial, criminal and social justice, and she was also a trusted colleague and valued friend,” Suozzi wrote.

Colleagues from across the aisle also expressed their condolences.

Republican Representative Byron Donalds of Florida called the late congresswoman a “dedicated public servant.”

“Sheila Jackson Lee was a dedicated public servant who represented the people of Houston in federal and local government for more than three decades,” he wrote on X. “Erika and I pray for the strength of the Congresswoman’s family. May her memory be a blessing.”

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said she was “sad” to learn of Jackson Lee’s death.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of our fellow Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee,” she posted early Saturday. “We will be praying for her family and her eternal rest.”

Senator John Cornyn (Republican of Texas) also posted the text in her honor on Saturday: “End of an era.”

Jackson Lee leaves behind her husband Elwyn Lee and two children.