Payam Javan: Democratic Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who represented her Houston constituents for over 30 years, passed away at 74 after battling pancreatic cancer, her family announced on Friday.

First elected in 1994, Ms. Lee served the 18th Congressional District of Texas, known for its black majority. Born in Queens, New York, on January 12, 1950, she earned her bachelor’s from Yale and a law degree from the University of Virginia. She began her political career in Texas as a municipal judge and Houston City Council member.

Her family highlighted her fierce advocacy for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, especially for women and children. Ms. Lee held senior roles in three House committees and was a founding member and chair of several caucuses. She was instrumental in establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

Ms. Lee was also known for opposing human rights abuses by the Chinese Communist Party, advocating against forced organ harvesting.

Her family emphasized her profound impact on her constituents and loved ones. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.