BREAKING: Democrat Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee dead at 74

In June, Jackson Lee, who has served Texas' 18th Congressional District for almost thirty years, disclosed her fight against pancreatic cancer.

A statement on the representative's X account reads:

"Today, with incredible 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."

"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.

"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.

"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. Funeral arrangements are pending."

Hailing from Queens, New York, and the daughter of a comic book artist, she pursued her education at Yale University and later obtained her law degree from the University of Virginia.

In the late 1980s, Jackson Lee was appointed to a municipal judge position by then-Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire. After securing this role, Jackson Lee pursued higher political ambitions and successfully ran for a seat on the Houston City Council in 1989.

Her political journey continued in 1994 when she looked to win the 18th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Congressman Craig Washington.

Jackson Lee was widely recognized for championing a progressive agenda, emphasizing social justice causes.

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