Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a long-serving Democratic congresswoman from Texas, announced on Sunday that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In statements shared on social media platforms, Jackson Lee expressed her confidence in her doctors' ability to target the disease and vowed to continue serving her constituents despite the challenges ahead.
Jackson Lee, who represents Houston's 18th Congressional District, has been a fixture in Texas politics for decades. She previously ran for mayor of Houston but lost to John Whitmire in 2023. In March of this year, she faced a primary challenge from Amanda Edwards but won easily.
Born in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee served as a judge before being elected to an at-large Houston City Council seat in 1989. She has been in Congress since 1995 and currently serves as the ranking member of the House Judiciary Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee.
Jackson Lee's diagnosis comes as she is working on critical legislation for the American people, including her advocacy for public education. She called for an investigation into last year's takeover of Houston Independent School District (HISD) under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.
Despite her diagnosis and likely absences from Congress during treatment, Jackson Lee remains committed to working with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people.
Jackson Lee previously battled breast cancer in 2012 but announced she was cancer-free at the time. She has expressed her faith that God will strengthen her during this difficult time.
The road ahead will not be easy, but Jackson Lee is optimistic for a recovery and confident in her doctors' plan to target her specific disease. Her office will continue to deliver vital constituent services as she undergoes treatment.