Lawmakers remember Sheila Jackson Lee as a ‘fighter’ for justice

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

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

Her family announced her death in a statement Friday, but did not specify a cause. The news, however, comes just over a month since the Texas Democrat revealed she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had been undergoing treatment.

She was first elected to the House in 1994. Jackson Lee served on the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget Committees. She was also chief deputy whip for the House Democrats and a vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Her colleagues posted messages honoring the congresswoman’s tenure and offering condolences to her family.

Fellow Texas Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett posted a photo of the two women wearing pink outfits on social media platform X.

“Tonight, Texans all over are mourning the loss of a legend, true leader for social justice, public servant, and my friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee,” Crockett said, adding that the late Jackson Lee was a “fierce 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.

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) called Jackson Lee a “tough, principled and gracious.”

“As a black woman in Texas you carried yourself in a way that demanded respect amid the racism and misogyny you encountered,” 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 Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she had learned about Jackson Lee’s death with “deep sadness.”

“Congresswoman Jackson Lee achieved a remarkable legislative record in the Congress for Houston and for our country,” Pelosi posted online. “As a powerful voice for our Constitution and human rights, she fought tirelessly to advance fairness, equity and justice for all.”

Pelosi said the House Democratic Caucus was blessed to know Jackson Lee “and we will miss her dearly.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) released a statement honoring “the one and only” Jackson Lee, calling her an “inimitable force for change and a warrior for justice.” He also highlighted that President Biden signed Jackson Lee’s bill into law that established Juneteenth as a federal holiday. 

“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,” Jeffries said. “I am grateful for her fearless advocacy, fierce determination, formidable service and legacy of leadership.”

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) also said she was “heartbroken” to hear about Jackson Lee’s death in a post on X.

“In her last text to me, she told me she has always been a fighter. That’s who she was—always fighting for the people, for justice,” Jayapal wrote. “Love & comfort to her loved ones. May she rest in peace & power.”

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

“Sheila Jackson Lee was a true legislator, committed to significant public policy. She spent every day on legislation, amendments, one minutes and five minutes, using every tool available to members of Congress to rewrite the rules and challenge the system,” Waters said. “Her time in Congress was truly significant.”

Waters said she is going to miss the Texas Congresswoman, who has “truly earned your place in the annals of history!”

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

“My condolences to @JacksonLeeTX18 immediate family, staff, & extended family. This is a great loss to people across the globe suffering injustice,” he wrote on X. “Although we’ve lost her physical presence, her spiritual presence will continue to reside in all who knew her. #SheilaJacksonLee.”

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) extended condolences to those impacted by Jackson Lee’s death.

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

Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) highlighted Jackson Lee’s dedication to criminal and legal reform — and fight for Black Americans.

“From her leadership in criminal legal reform & reparations, to her dedication to the people of Houston — she was a force to be reckoned with,” Bush posted. “Sending love to her family, loved ones & constituents.”

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) also shared a photo of him and Jackson Lee when they served together on the House Pakistan Caucus.

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

Colleagues across the aisle also offered their condolences.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), in a statement, also called the late congresswoman a “fierce advocate,” saying her “larger-than-life personality” will be missed. 

“Sheila and I served together on the Judiciary Committee for seven years. While we rarely agreed on policy, I always enjoyed our spirited debates about law and policy, and I counter her as a friend,” Johnson said, adding “May she rest in peace.” 

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) branded the late congresswoman as a “dedicated public servant.”

“Sheila Jackson Lee was a dedicated public servant who represented the people of Houston for more than three decades in federal and local government,” 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 “saddened” to learn of Jackson Lee’s death.

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

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) also posted Saturday in her honor: “End of an Era.”

Jackson Lee is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee, and two children.