'Tenacious trailblazer': Eddie Bernice Johnson remembered by lawmakers as former Texas Rep dies at 88

DALLAS, TEXAS: Former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, one of the prominent Democrats from Dallas, Texas, died on Sunday, December 31, at the age of 88, as reported by CBS News.

Representing the state's 30th Congressional District for 30 years in the House of Representatives, Eddie is regarded as a political icon in North Texas.

Her son, Kirk Johnson, confirmed the news in a Facebook post, writing, "I am heartbroken to share the news that my mother, Eddie Bernice Johnson, has passed away. She was a remarkable and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a trailblazer and public servant."

He added "While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman, we celebrate her life and legacy. She will be deeply missed. Funeral services are pending."

Eddie Bernice Johnson was a nurse-turned-Congresswoman.

Born in Waco, Texas, in 1935, Eddie began her career as a nurse and worked as the chief psychiatric nurse at the Dallas Veterans Administration Hospital for 16 years until she entered politics.

Serving in the Texas House of Representatives and Senate, she was elected to the House of Representatives in 1993. Moreover, she was the first registered nurse elected to Congress and the first Black woman to chair the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Eddie also led the Congressional Black Caucus from 2001 to 2003. She retired from Congress in January 2023.

Lawmakers pay tribute to Eddie Bernice Johnson

Joe Biden

President Joe Biden honored the late Congresswoman in a statement issued by the White House.

Remembering Eddie as a "dedicated nurse, state legislator, and longtime US Congresswoman with immense courage and a commitment to the promise of America," the President added she had an "unwavering dedication to the people of North Texas."

He continued, "She and I worked together throughout her 30 years in Congress, and I've always been grateful for her friendship and partnership."

Recalling her "childhood dream to work in medicine," Biden noted Eddie turned it into "a lifetime of service, fighting to get millions of Americans to access to healthcare, education, and opportunity."

The statement listed the various services she has performed in her career, starting from working as a chief psychiatric nurse at the Veterans Administration in Dallas, being a member of the Texas statehouse, and being the first Black American elected to Congress from Dallas.

It further read, "She fought to expand civil rights, to create jobs, to combat the climate crisis, and much more." Biden also remembered her role in passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS and Science Act in 2022.

He mentioned, "Throughout her life, and as the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, she was an icon and mentor to generations of public servants, through whom her legacy of resilience and purpose will endure."

The statement ended with Biden and the First Lady sending love to the late lawmaker's family, friends, and Texas' 30th Congressional District.

Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris's tribute statement remembered Eddie as "a visionary, a pioneer, and a fighter."

Recalling the Texas lawmaker's young age witnessing and experiencing the profound effects of segregation, Harris pointed out Eddie decided "she would not stay on the sidelines in the fight for justice."

Praising her career from being a nurse to a Congresswoman, the VP added, "Throughout her long career in public service, she was always clear-eyed about what she was fighting for the right of every person in Dallas and across the country to live free from discrimination and to have the opportunity to live up to their full potential."

Harris also said that she was privileged to serve alongside her in the Congressional Black Caucus, noting, "Her legacy and leadership will be felt for generations to come."

Jasmine Crockett

Jasmine Crockett, who currently represents Texas's 30th congressional district, which was Eddie's turf for three decades until her retirement in 2023, remembered her predecessor as a "trailblazer."

In her statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Crockett said, "Today, the world has lost a trailblazer, and Texas has lost one of its most dedicated public servants and iconic leaders. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was a woman of many firsts."

She added, "Today, the world has lost a trailblazer, and Texas has lost one of its most dedicated public servants and iconic leaders. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was a woman of many firsts."

The note also listed the late politician's achievements in her last session in Congress.

Remembering the time when Eddie called her to pass the torch, she added, "I've not taken it lightly that she entrusted me to honor her work and legacy. Everyday that passes is a day that I dedicate to continuing her work and attempting to fill her shoes. The work has never been easy, but it has and always will be noble."

Nancy Pelosi

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took to her X (formerly Twitter) account to pay tributes to Eddie.

She wrote, "Today, families in the Dallas area and across America mourn the loss of Eddie Bernice Johnson: a tenacious trailblazer, a talented legislator, and a devoted public servant. For three decades, Chairwoman Johnson was a powerful force in the Congress, always focused on the future."

Chuck Schumer

Remembering the Congresswoman, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer wrote, "Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson was a strong legislator, a good friend, and a wonderful human being. We will all miss her."

Gabrielle Giffords

On X (formerly Twitter), Former Arizona lawmaker Gabrielle Giffords noted, "Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was an icon. As the first Black woman elected to any seat in Dallas and the third Texas woman to represent the state in the U.S. House, Johnson shattered glass ceilings and was a role model for so many. May she rest in peace and power."

Sheila Jackson Lee

Another Congresswoman from Texas, Sheila Jackson Lee, honored Eddie on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "We were all saddened to hear of the passing this morning of our friend and colleague, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson."

Lee mentioned, "Her love of service began early on as a trained nurse and an early advocate for healthcare for vulnerable populations."