DALLAS — Eddie Bernice Johnson, who represented North Texas in Congress for 30 years, has died at age 89, her family and others confirmed on social media Sunday.
Johnson, a Democrat, was elected to the U.S. House in 1992 and won reelection 15 times. She stepped down in January 2023.
Prior to that, Johnson served in the Texas Senate from 1987 until 1993 and the Texas House from 1973 to 1977.
Johnson, in 1992, became the first registered nurse elected to Congress. In 1972, she became the first Black woman from Dallas to win elected office.
Johnson used her committee leadership position to fight against Republican efforts to block action on climate change. Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford said Johnson was also “a fierce advocate for expanding STEM opportunities to Black and minority students” who also played a key role in helping the Biden administration pass a major package of incentives for computer chip manufacturers.
She was born in Waco and grew up in the segregated South. Dallas’ once-segregated Union Station was renamed in her honor in 2019.
Her own experience with racism helped spur her to get involved in politics. She recalled that officials at the VA hospital were shocked that she was Black after they hired her sight-unseen, so they rescinded their offer for her to live in a dorm on campus. She told The Dallas Morning News in 2020 that officials would go into patients’ rooms ahead of her to “say that I was qualified.”
“That was really the most blatant, overt racism that I ever experienced in my life,” she told the newspaper.
Johnson nearly quit but decided to stick with it.
“It was very challenging,” she said. “But any job where you’re an African American woman entering for the first time would be a challenge. They had not hired one before I got there. Yes, it was a challenge, but it was a successful venture.”
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson addressed Johnson’s death on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, writing, “I am stunned and saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Congresswoman Johnson was a groundbreaking leader for this country and for our state and city, and there really are no words to express my profound sense of grief and loss at the passing of this legendary American.”
The Texas Democratic Party on Sunday released a statement that reads in part:
“It is with great sadness that Texas Democrats mourn the loss of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. A dedicated public servant, Congresswoman Johnson leaves behind a legacy of tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to her constituents and the American people. Johnson’s career began as the first black woman and registered nurse elected to office in Dallas, first serving in the Texas House of Representatives before being elected to the Texas Senate.
"Her legacy of service as the Representative of Texas’ 30th Congressional District for over three decades, and as the first woman to serve as Chair of the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is among the most prolific in our state’s history."
Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, who is running for U.S. Senate, released the following statement:
“Eddie Bernice Johnson was a trailblazer, a leader, a friend and my mentor. Unrivaled in her ability to deliver for Dallas and for Texas, she always put Texans first and fought every day for her constituents.
“I would not be here today if it weren’t for Congresswoman Johnson and the doors she opened for a new generation of Texans in public service.
“Everywhere you look, Texans can see the mark she made on our state — from improving the VA, to investing in transportation, to fighting for Texans’ civil rights, to her work to pass the CHIPS Act and invest in high-tech manufacturing as Chair of the House Science Committee.
“Texas lost a giant. My thoughts are with her family during what must be a difficult time. We all mourn this loss for our Texas community."
Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, wrote the following on X:
"I join the chorus of those celebrating the life and legacy of trailblazing leader and extraordinary American, former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. I’m so fortunate to have served alongside her and send her family my condolences."
Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, called Johnson "a groundbreaking hero" with a "powerful voice."
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, released the following statement:
President Joe Biden issued the following statement:
"Eddie Bernice Johnson was a dedicated nurse, state legislator, and longtime U.S. congresswoman with immense courage and a commitment to the promise of America. She had unwavering dedication to the people of North Texas.
"She and I worked together throughout her 30 years in Congress, and I’ve always been grateful for her friendship and partnership.
"Eddie Bernice turned a childhood dream to work in medicine into a lifetime of service, fighting to get millions of Americans access to healthcare, education, and opportunity.
"Early on, as the chief psychiatric nurse at the Veterans Administration in Dallas, she helped our nation to fulfill its most sacred obligation, to care for the troops we sent into harm’s way when they’re home. And in the Texas statehouse and then over 30 years as the first Black American elected to Congress from Dallas, she fought to expand civil rights, to create jobs, to combat the climate crisis, and much more. Recently, her leadership was crucial in passing our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS and Science Act in 2022, creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and making sure America leads the industries of the future.
"Throughout her life, and as the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, she was an icon and mentor to generations of public servants, through whom her legacy of resilience and purpose will endure.
"Jill and I send our love to her family, including her son Kirk and her grandchildren Kirk Jr, David, and James; to her many friends; and to the people of Texas’ 30th Congressional District, who were so fortunate to have her as their champion for so long."