Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee reveals cancer diagnosis, relies on faith for strength

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) revealed on Sunday night that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, highlighting how her faith in God will help her persevere.

“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” she wrote on X. “I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year.”

“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”

Jackson Lee assured her constituents in Texas’s 18th Congressional District that, while she may be absent from Congress occasionally, her office will continue to serve them as it has for nearly 30 years.

“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 added in her statement. “By God’s grace, I will be back at full strength soon.

Jackson Lee, 74, has represented the Lone Star State’s 18th Congressional District in Congress since 1995. The district encompasses much of Houston, the state’s largest city.

She was defeated by a landslide to become Houston’s next mayor in December, falling to Democratic state Sen. John Whitmire. Two days later, she filed for reelection to Congress. In March, she won the Democratic primary, albeit in the most competitive primary of her congressional career, per the Texas Tribune.

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Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison wished Jackson Lee well in response to her announcement. “Sending you healing thoughts and keeping you in my prayers Congresswoman!” he wrote.

Jackson Lee is set to run against Republican Lana Centonze in November.