Bill Clinton: Rep. Jackson Lee 'doing well' in pancreatic cancer fight

Former President Clinton said Sunday that Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) is “doing well” as she undergoes treatment for pancreatic cancer.

“Just spoke with my friend Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as she battles pancreatic cancer,” Clinton wrote on the social platform X.

“She’s doing well and remains the fighter we all know her to be, facing this challenge with incredible strength and determination. Join me in cheering her on and keeping her in our thoughts. Stay strong, Sheila!” he continued.

Jackson Lee, 74, reposted his statement and added, “Thank you again, Mr. President! I am not deterred one bit; the fight continues!”

The Texas Democrat announced in early June she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and would be “occasionally absent” from Congress as she undergoes treatment. She said she still expects to be present in Congress for important votes.

In her statement last month, Jackson Lee said she was optimistic about a recovery.

“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” she wrote last month. “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,” she added. “The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”

Jackson Lee defeated a primary challenge for her House district in March, after previously losing her bid to be Houston’s mayor.

First elected to Congress in 1995, Jackson Lee is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and serves as the ranking member of the House Judiciary subcommittee on crime.