Sheila Jackson Lee

Democrat Representative of Texas's 18th district

Representative
Texas, district 18
January 4, 1995 - January 3, 1997
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 7, 1997 - January 3, 1999
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 6, 1999 - January 3, 2001
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 3, 2001 - January 3, 2003
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 7, 2003 - January 3, 2005
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 4, 2005 - January 3, 2007
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 4, 2007 - January 3, 2009
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 6, 2009 - January 3, 2011
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 5, 2011 - January 3, 2013
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 3, 2013 - January 3, 2015
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 6, 2015 - January 3, 2017
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 3, 2017 - January 3, 2019
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 3, 2019 - January 3, 2021
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 3, 2021 - January 3, 2023
Representative
Texas, district 18
January 3, 2023 - July 19, 2024

202-225-3816

jacksonlee.house.gov

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 12, 1950 (74 years old)

Birthday

July 19, 2024

Death

Has served as the U.S. representative for a Texas congressional district since 1995, which includes most of central Houston.
Served as an at-large member of the Houston City Council before being elected to the House.
Co-dean of Texas’s congressional delegation.
Graduated from Yale University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
Appointed as a municipal judge in Houston before serving on the city council.
Introduced progressive policies during her congressional tenure, including the Essential Transportation Worker Identification Credential Assessment Act and the Sabika Sheikh Firearm Licensing and Registration Act.
Stepped down from chair positions due to a lawsuit alleging retaliation against a staffer.
Ran for Houston mayor in 2023 but lost in a runoff election.
Has a history of high staff turnover and has been reported to have an abrasive management style.
Serves on several committees and is a member of numerous caucuses, including the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Advocates for foreign policy that supports human rights and better relations with certain nations.
Active on immigration issues, opposes a guest worker program, and supports increasing opportunities for legalization.
Supports LGBT rights and racial equality, including voting for the Equality Act and suggesting inclusive naming for hurricanes.
Has objected to electoral college vote counts in past presidential elections.
Known for making controversial statements and gaffes.
Married with two children, a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and a cancer survivor.
Received the Hilal-i-Pakistan award for services to Pakistan.