Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has died, her family announced on Friday, July 19, 2024. (Source: KHOU 11)

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a longtime powerhouse for Democrats, has died after a battle with cancer at the age of 74.

“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,” her family said in a statement.

In June, the congresswoman announced she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment.

“As I pursue my treatments, it is likely that I will be occasionally absent from Congress, but rest assured my office will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect,” she said in a statement on June 2.

“By God’s grace, I will be back at full strength soon,” the statement continued.

Jackson Lee had faced cancer before. In 2012, Jackson Lee announced she was a breast cancer survivor and had undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Jackson Lee, who was born in New York, moved to Texas in 1987 and served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1995. She most recently ran for mayor of Houston and was facing a tough re-election bid for her district. Jackson Lee filed to run for seat again in December of last year, and overcame a contentious primary in March, but maintained endorsements from Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Minority Whip Katherine Clarke.

Jackson Lee leaves behind an indelible legacy of advancing civil, humanitarian, and women’s rights, serving on several commissions during her tenure in Congress. One of her career highlights was being the lead sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. She recently introduced a bill that reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which was signed into law in 2022.

She is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee, two children, and two grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

More on the history and accomplishments of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.