Who Is Sheila Jackson Lee? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sheila Jackson Lee was born on January 12, 1950. As of 2025, she is 75 years old. An accomplished American lawyer and politician, Jackson Lee has served as a United States Representative for Texas's 18th congressional district since 1995. Throughout her political career, she has been a prominent advocate for civil rights, social justice, and equality in the United States. Her dedication to public service has made her a notable figure in American politics.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 12, 1950 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 19 July, 2024 |
| Died Place | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
Popularity
Sheila Jackson Lee's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific physical measurements for Sheila Jackson Lee may not be widely published, she is known to be a poised and professional figure in her public appearances. Her estimated height is around 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), and her weight is approximately 150 pounds (68 kg). Sheila maintains a trim figure and presents herself with confidence, reflecting her active lifestyle as a politician.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Sheila Jackson Lee has been married to Elwyn Lee since 1972. Together, they have two children. Despite her high-profile career, she maintains a level of privacy regarding her family life, focusing mainly on her political responsibilities. There have been no public records of any romantic relationships outside her marriage.
Jackson graduated from Jamaica High School in Queens. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Yale University in 1972 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1975. She moved to Houston in 1987 when her husband, Elwyn Lee, accepted a position at the University of Houston.
She got a job at Leon Jaworski's law firm. She made three previous unsuccessful attempts at local judgeships before becoming a Houston municipal judge, a position she held from 1987 to 1990. Kathy Whitmire, the mayor of Houston, appointed Jackson Lee to the position, along with Sylvia Garcia.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Sheila Jackson Lee’s estimated net worth is around $3 million. This wealth is attributed to her long-standing career in politics, legal practice, and various investments. As a member of Congress, her annual salary is approximately $174,000, which contributes to her overall financial status.
Career, Business and Investments
Sheila Jackson Lee's career is marked by her tenure in Congress, where she has served on numerous committees, including the Judiciary Committee and the Homeland Security Committee. Recognized for her leadership in civil rights and humanitarian efforts, she has made significant contributions to legislation on criminal justice reform, healthcare, and education.
Apart from her political career, Sheila is also known for her legal expertise and has been involved in various business ventures, particularly those focusing on community development and advocacy for minorities. Her experience in law gives her a robust understanding of the intersection between politics and business, allowing her to make informed decisions that benefit her constituents.
In the 117th Congress (2021–2023), Jackson Lee voted with United States President Joe Biden's stated position 100 percent of the time, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis. Jackson Lee and Representative Lloyd Doggett became co-deans of Texas's congressional delegation in January 2023 after the retirement of Eddie Bernice Johnson.
Social Network
Sheila Jackson Lee maintains an active presence on social media, utilizing platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to engage with her constituents and the public. She often shares updates about her legislative work, community events, and civil rights initiatives. This accessibility helps her to connect with the audience and foster a sense of community involvement in her political endeavors.
In 1998, The Houston Press reported that five of Jackson Lee's staffers had quit that spring.
The paper quoted her former Capitol office executive assistant and events scheduler, Rhiannon Burruss, as saying that "the congresswoman's abrasive ways not only drove off staff members but irritated Continental Airlines staffers to the point where one suggested she fly on a competitor instead." In 2011, Jackson Lee was reported to have one of the
highest staff turnover rates in Congress.
The Huffington Post and the Houston Chronicle reported that she had gone through 11 chiefs of staff in the course of 11 years.
A 2013 report concluded that "the veteran Texas Democrat had the highest turnover rate for all of Congress over the [previous] decade." Washingtonian magazine named Jackson Lee as the "meanest Democratic Congress member" in both 2014 and 2017. In 2018, LegiStorm reported that Jackson Lee's annual turnover rate, at 62%, was the highest in Congress.
Education
Sheila Jackson Lee completed her undergraduate degree at Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in history. She then went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. Her educational background has been instrumental in shaping her career, providing her with the skills necessary for her work in law and public policy.
Born in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee earned a scholarship for Black students at New York University before transferring to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Yale University in 1972 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1975.
In 1987, after she had moved to Houston, she was appointed as a municipal judge for the city by Kathy Whitmire. In 1989, Jackson Lee was elected to the Houston City Council. She served in the office until 1994 when she began a campaign for a seat in the U.S. Congress.
In the Democratic primary, she defeated incumbent Craig Washington and went on to easily win the general election.
