Texas Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee, the ‘Fierce Champion’, has died at the age of 74

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who represents Texas’ 18th Congressional District, has died, according to a statement from her family.

The 74-year-old Democrat has served his district, which covers much of Houston, since 1995. He announced in a statement last month that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment.

Lee’s family said in the statement, which was shared with the congressman’s account on X, formerly Twitter, that Lee is “the fierce champion of the people” and “is loved and known only as ‘Congresswoman’ by the constituents as recognition of her closeness. – there everywhere and services for daily life (decade).

“A local, national and international humanitarian, she is recognized around the world for her courageous fight for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children,” read a statement from Lee’s family.

Lee sat as a senior member on three House committees – Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget – in the 118th US Congress. She was also appointed as the first female ranking member of the Judiciary’s subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Lee’s Democratic colleague, Texas Representative Adriano Espaillat, was alive to interview CNN’s Abby Phillip when news of Lee’s death broke. When asked by Phillip about his “thoughts” on the news, Espaillat described Lee as a “national hero.”

“You know, he’s running for mayor (of Houston),” Espaillat recalled. “I think he’s trying to get home. He might be trying to get home. But he’ll always be in our hearts no matter where he is, or at home.”

Tributes quickly poured in from other Texas leaders Friday night. Representative Wesley Hunt, a Republican whose district borders Lee’s to the west, issued a statement that he and Lee “had political disagreements, there were many moments with him, public and private, that showed that bipartisanship and service to the country. first can still unite members Congress.”

“In this time of division, Congressman Lee and I have been able to work together on several legislative initiatives for the city of Houston,” Hunt added. “His steadfast commitment to serving the people of Houston and his tireless work have left an indelible mark on our community and nation.”

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis also posted a statement to X’s account, writing that Lee is a “longtime friend, ally, and political partner.”

“Through crisis and disaster — as well as triumph — Sheila’s constant and unwavering dedication to the people she represents has been an inspiration and a source of strength for my career,” said Ellis, a Democrat.

Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Lee’s death and shared a photo on X of the congressman attending a memorial for the victims of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

“The congresswoman came to Uvalde just days after Robb’s massacre and championed the victims’ families, leading calls for federal hearings on the tragedy,” Gutierrez wrote alongside the photo. “Thank you, Rep. Lee.”

Texas Senator Ted Cruz also posted a tribute to Lee on the X account, writing that the congressman “was a tireless advocate for Houston.”

“I will cherish the friendship and laughter we shared over the years,” wrote Cruz, a conservative. “Heidi and I send our prayers and condolences to the family.”

Update 07/19/24, 11:51 pm ET: This article has been updated with additional information and background.