Veteran Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, representing Houston's District 18 for three decades, is facing a personal battle with pancreatic cancer, she revealed on Sunday through social media. According to The Texas Tribune, the 74-year-old Democrat has confirmed her diagnosis and is undergoing treatment for the condition that annually challenges tens of thousands of Americans.
Jackson Lee, a fixture in Texas politics, announced that while tackling this fight, “I am committed to working with our Congressional Leadership including Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Speaker of House to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people,” she said. Despite a solid track record in congress, the longtime lawmaker will “likely be occasionally absent from Congress” during her treatment period.
Lee has been a dominant force in her district, securing her seat for three decades with considerable ease — in March, she even fended off one of her fiercest primary challenges from former councilwoman Amanda Edwards. Her legislative experience is wide-ranging, previously serving as a judge and as a Houston City Council member before ascending to the national stage in Congress back in 1995.
Her ongoing political work was met with bipartisan support following her announcement. The Harris County GOP took to social media expressing, "Some things are bigger than politics. Please join us in praying for Congresswoman Jackson Lee and her loved from ones during this difficult time, as we wish her a speedy recovery." Jackson Lee, who bounced back from a breast cancer diagnosis in 2011, remains hopeful, stating, "I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease.", as reported by The Texas Tribune.
While details of her medical treatment location remain undisclosed. "The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me," she concluded in her statement.
