Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a progressive champion, dies at 74

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has died aged 74 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The Houston area congresswoman was a fixture of Democratic Party politics for almost three decades and a well-loved figure in the state of Texas. Her family announced her passing on Friday evening.

«Today, with incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of US 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 for her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years,” her family wrote in a statement released on her Twitter account.

Given Texas’s status as a traditionally red state, tributes for Jackson Lee poured in from friends made on both sides of the aisle during her time in Congress – including such polar opposites as Nancy Pelosi, Jamaal Bowman and Ted Cruz.

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend and colleague Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee,” said former speaker of the House Ms Pelosi.

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

“All of us in the House Democratic Caucus were blessed to know Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and we will miss her dearly,” she said.

It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend and colleague Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee achieved a remarkable legislative