In a recent revelation, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat from Texas, announced that she would be continuing her role in Congress while battling pancreatic cancer. Despite the severity of her health condition, the 74-year-old representative has shown an alarming level of complacency by stating that she might miss votes occasionally.
“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease,” she said in a statement. “The road ahead will not be easy but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”
It is worth noting that Jackson Lee is not the first member of the House to face a health crisis which could potentially disrupt attendance in this closely divided chamber. With Vince Fong’s arrival this week, winner of a May 21 special election in California, Republicans now hold a 218-213 advantage.
Earlier this year, Rep. Al Green, another Democrat from Texas had to leave hospital post-surgery only to vote against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas wearing medical attire. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., on the other hand demonstrated commendable dedication by returning to Washington after undergoing treatment for blood cancer.
Jackson Lee’s recent announcement does not reflect any consideration towards her reelection campaign for the 18th District – a seat she has held for 15 terms. The district overwhelmingly backed Joe Biden over Donald Trump by 49 percentage points in 2020.
Last year, Jackson Lee ran for mayor and lost to fellow Democrat John Whitmire. Despite this setback and her current health crisis, she has decided to run for reelection and won the March primary against attorney Amanda Edwards. She is set to face Republican Lana Centonze in November.
In her statement, Jackson Lee assured the residents of the 18th District that her office “will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect.”