Sheila Jackson Lee, Longtime Texas Congresswoman and Progressive Advocate, Dies at 74

WASHINGTON — Sheila Jackson Lee, a stalwart Houston Democrat and one of the longest-serving members of Texas’ Congressional delegation, passed away on Friday at the age of 74. The seasoned lawmaker had announced her battle with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

Jackson Lee, renowned for her unwavering commitment to progressive causes, began her congressional career in 1994 by defeating four-term U.S. Rep. Craig Washington in a Democratic primary. Over the years, she became a fixture in Congress and a notable figure in Houston, known for her strong connections within the Democratic Party.