Jackson Lee, Sheila, 1950-

Variant names

Dates:

Birth 1950-01-12

Gender:

Female

Nationality: Americans

Language: English

Biographical notes:

Sheila Jackson Lee (born January 12, 1950) is an American politician. She is currently the U.S. Representative for Texas's 18th congressional district, currently serving in her 14th term in the House, having served since 1995. The district includes most of central Houston. She is a member of the Democratic Party.

Jackson Lee was born Sheila Jackson in Queens, New York. Her parents were both immigrants from Jamaica. She graduated from Jamaica High School in Queens. She earned a BA in political science from Yale University in 1972, followed by a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1975. She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Jackson Lee made three unsuccessful attempts at local judgeships before becoming a municipal judge from 1987 to 1990. Jackson Lee, along with Sylvia Garcia, was appointed by then Mayor of Houston Kathy Whitmire. In 1989, Jackson Lee won the at-large position for a seat on the Houston City Council, serving until 1994. In 1994, Jackson Lee challenged four-term incumbent U.S. Congressman Craig Washington in the Democratic primary, defeating Washington in a rout, taking 63% to Washington's 37%. The victory was tantamount to election in this heavily Democratic, black-majority district. In the general election, she defeated Republican nominee Jerry Burley 73%–24%. In each of her subsequent reelection bids, Jackson Lee has received at least 70 percent of the vote.