I wish her all the best for a full and speedy recovery.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
U.S. Rep Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, the congresswoman shared in a Sunday statement on social media platform X.
“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis for pancreatic cancer,” Jackson Lee said. “I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year.”
Jackson Lee, 74, represents Congressional District 18, a seat she has held for 30 years. In March, she defeated challenger Amanda Edwards, a former Houston City Councilwoman, in the most competitive primary of her congressional career. Prior to the March primary, Jackson Lee had only drawn four primary challengers, and she defeated all of them by significant margins. She’s been in Congress since 1995.
In her statement, Jackson Lee said she will “likely be occasionally absent from Congress” as she undergoes treatment but that she plans to continue to serve her constituents with the services they “deserve and expect.”
“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,” the statement said.
Jackson Lee previously battled breast cancer. In 2012, she announced that she was cancer free after having been diagnosed the previous year.
“I look forward to having many more years to enjoy my family, friends and to serve our community and nation,” she said at the time.
I’ll say again, I wish her all the best. Pancreatic cancer is no joke. Please note in the story that the Harris County GOP put out a kind statement wishing her well. If you have something to say here, please follow that example.
That’s a scary cancer. I hope they caught it early. Good luck on fighting it.
Fortunately, Congresswoman Jackson Lee lives in a city with incredible medical resources and rapid advances with ongoing research. I wish her well and a quick recovery.
SJL has been a fighter all her life. If anyone can beat it, she can. I wish her the best.