Sheila Jackson Lee, the 30-year stalwart representative of Texas’s 18th congressional district, has passed away at the age of 74.
The news of her demise was announced in a poignant statement released by her family, which celebrated her selfless dedication to public service and described her as a “fierce champion of the people.”
According to her loved ones, Lee’s constituents had lovingly nicknamed her “Congresswoman,” a testament to her unwavering presence and commitment to their daily lives throughout her nearly three decades of representing the district.
Tragically, Lee’s passing comes just a few weeks after she publicly disclosed her diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, a debilitating disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year. In a courageous post on her social media platform in early June, Lee confirmed the diagnosis and revealed that she was undergoing treatment.
Despite her health struggles, Lee was undeterred in her pursuit of public service, having recently won her party’s primary election in March. She was preparing to face off against Republican challenger Lana Centonze in the upcoming election.
