TEXAS — Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died at the age of 74, her family announced late Friday night.
In June, the congresswoman announced that she was battling pancreatic cancer.
Many Texas lawmakers took to X to mourn the passing of the longtime Houston representative:
Gov. Greg Abbott said, “Cecilia and I will forever remember Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. She was a proud Texan and a tireless advocate for the people of Houston.”
Sen. Ted Cruz said, “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my friend & colleague Sheila Jackson Lee. She was a tireless advocate for Houston.”
Sylvester Turner, the 62nd mayor of Houston, said, “I am deeply saddened by the death of my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. From City Hall to the Halls of Congress, Sheila Jackson Lee has served her constituents well.”
Sen. John Cornyn reacted to the news of Jackson Lee's death saying it was the "end of an era."
Rodney Ellis, a Harris County commissioner, said, “Sheila’s ceaseless and unwavering dedication to those she represented served as an inspiration and source of strength to me in my career.”
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said Jackson Lee was a friend and mentor to her and a "champion for her community."
Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, echoed the statement of Jackson Lee being an advocate for her community.
"No one worked harder for her community and if Houston needed something, she got it done," Allred said.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, posted a photo of the two of them and said Jackson Lee was a "legend."
"If you ever needed a living example of servant leadership, you could look no further — Congresswoman Jackson Lee was compassionate, resilient, and most importantly, always willing to do the work," Crockett said.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, said Jackson Lee was an "undeniable force for justice and equality for all."
Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, said, “You were tough, principled and gracious. As a black woman in Texas, you carried yourself in a way that demanded respect amid the racism and misogyny you encountered.”