Former Dallas Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson dead at 89

KERA | By Toluwani Osibamowo

Published January 1, 2024 at 9:58 AM CST

Former Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, makes comments as she introduces State Senator Royce West at a rally where West announced his bid to run for the US Senate in Dallas, Monday, July 22, 2019. Johnson's family announced the former congresswoman died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. She was 88.

Eddie Bernice Johnson, a retired congresswoman who made history as the first Black woman from Dallas to hold public office, has died. She was 89.

Her son Dawrence Kirk Johnson confirmed the news of her death on Facebook Sunday morning.

"She was a remarkable and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother, as well as a trailblazer and public servant," the post reads. "While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman, we celebrate her life and legacy. She will be deeply missed."

The Waco native took office representing Texas' U.S House District 30 in 1993, which includes South Dallas, Desoto, Lancaster and Cedar Hill. She was known as a trailblazing Dallas Democrat, and among many firsts in her career, she was also the first registered nurse elected to Congress. She previously also served in both the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.

"I'm proud of what I've done, because there's no Texan in the history of this state who has brought more home," Johnson said in a speech announcing her retirement in 2021.

Local officials praised Johnson's legacy in statements across social media following the announcement of her death.

"I am stunned and saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson," Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Congresswoman Johnson was a groundbreaking leader for this country and for our state and city, and there really are no words to express my profound sense of grief and loss at the passing of this legendary American."

The congresswoman's successor, current District 30 Rep. Jasmine Crockett, said in an interview with KERA News Sunday afternoon that Johnson embodied the honor that should be associated with public office. Johnson endorsed Crockett to take her place in the congressional seat, which Crockett won in 2022.

"She is the epitome of dedication and selflessness, and it is my goal to continue to live up to her legacy and honor her every single day that I am on this Earth," Crockett said.

Correction: An earlier version of this story reported Johnson's age as 88. She was 89 at the time of her death, according to public records.