Reactions pour in following passing of trailblazing North Texas politician Eddie Bernice Johnson

DALLAS — In an outpouring of deference befitting of such a trailblazer, reactions to Eddie Bernice Johnson's passing have been immediate and heartfelt. Johnson, who served North Texas for 30 years as a member of the U.S. Congress, passed away this week at 88 years old. Her family confirmed the news on Sunday.

In the wake of that reveal, politicians and public figures were quick to thank and honor the late congresswoman for her decades of public service. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson was the first public official to comment on her passing, tweeting that Johnson "was a groundbreaking leader for this country and for our state and city." I am stunned and saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

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… In a statement sent out to media shortly after that post, Johnson further expanded on that sentiment. "Today, our nation, our state, and our city have lost a statesman, a trailblazer, and a champion.

And I have lost a dear friend, confidante, and mentor. I first met Eddie Bernice Johnson when I was in high school. She was new to Congress then, but she wasn’t new to politics and policymaking after serving two decades in the Texas Legislature. In the years since then, Dallas and our state grew and changed at an incredible pace.

But in Washington, we had a constant, steady, determined leader fighting for our communities and representing our interests. Eddie Bernice Johnson authored and co authored more than 177 bills that became law, and she worked with both Republicans and Democrats to get the job done for Dallas, for our region, and for our state.

She was the single most effective legislator Dallas has ever had. Nobody brought more federal infrastructure money home to our city. Nobody fought harder for our communities and our residents’ interests and safety. And nobody knew how to navigate Washington better for the people of Dallas. I had hoped that, after a distinguished three decade career in the United States Capitol, we would have more time with her back at home.

It was clear that she still had that same fire and passion for public service that initially drove her to become the first nurse to win election both to the Texas Legislature and to Congress. Personally and professionally, she touched countless lives, including mine. I am devastated and heartbroken by her passing, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.

May she rest in the peace she deserves after a life well lived, and may her legacy long endure in Dallas and in the nation she helped shape." Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins was also quick to comment on EBJ's passing, expressing similar gratitude for her civic contributions. "[Johnson] was a true legend and a mentor to me," Jenkins posted to X, formerly known as Twitter .

"She was a great friend to me and mom. My whole family loved her. She taught me 'everything that goes through your mind doesn’t have to come out of your mouth' and much more. She brought billions in funds to DFW. Godspeed, EBJ." Congressman Colin Allred, who has represented Texas' 32nd congressional district covering northeastern Dallas County and parts of Collin and Denton counties since 2018, issued the following statement through his press office.

"Eddie Bernice Johnson was a trailblazer, a leader, a friend and my mentor. Unrivaled in her ability to deliver for Dallas and for Texas, she always put Texans first and fought every day for her constituents. I would not be here today if it weren’t for Congresswoman Johnson and the doors she opened for a new generation of Texans in public service.

Everywhere you look, Texans can see the mark she made on our state — from improving the VA, to investing in transportation, to fighting for Texans’ civil rights, to her work to pass the CHIPS Act and invest in high tech manufacturing as Chair of the House Science Committee. Texas lost a giant. My thoughts are with her family during what must be a difficult time.

We all mourn this loss for our Texas community." Congressman Marc Veasy, who has represented Texas's 33rd congressional district covering portions of Dallas and Tarrant counties since 2012, posted a series of updates to X in the wake of Johnson's passing. North Texas and our nation mourn the loss of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Congresswoman Johnson was a trailblazer, friend, and mentor to many, including myself. For decades, she served North Texans and became an unmatched leader in Congress on many issues, including science and transportation. I am deeply saddened by her passing and praying for her loved ones during this time.

I am honored to have served alongside her and hope to continue to build on her extraordinary legacy. Congressman Henry Cuellar, who has represented Texas's 28th congressional district, which stretches from San Antonio to the U.S. Mexico border, in Congress since 2005, also posted his condolences to X.

I am deeply saddened to hear that my friend and former colleague, Eddie Bernice Johnson, has passed away. For decades, Eddie was a champion to her constituents and the people of Texas. Imelda and I are praying for her loved ones during this difficult time. https://t.co/WjtkpBFzOE Former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez issued the following statement through her spokesperson.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Congresswoman Johnson's legacy will be remembered for her leadership, compassion, and the positive impact she had on countless lives. I was proud to call her a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all those who mourn the loss of this remarkable woman.

May she rest in peace." The Wilmer elementary school operated by Dallas Independent School District, which was officially named in Johnson's honor on April 24, 2020, shared the following statement on X, saying the school is "honored to be her namesake campus." We are saddened to learn of the passing of @RepEBJ .

She was a trailblazer for women and our community. We are honored to be her namesake campus. She will live on in our hearts as an icon who fought for equity for those whose voices could not always be heard. Rest in power! pic.twitter.com/tj9LLrNykk In a joint statement sent out to the media, Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa, Vice Chair Shay Wyrick Cathey and Dallas County Democratic Chair Kardal Coleman shared the following words.

"It is with great sadness that Texas Democrats mourn the loss of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. A dedicated public servant, Congresswoman Johnson leaves behind a legacy of tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to her constituents and the American people. Johnson’s career began as the first black woman and registered nurse elected to office in Dallas, first serving in the Texas House of Representatives before being elected to the Texas Senate.

Her legacy of service as the Representative of Texas’ 30th Congressional District for over three decades, and as the first woman to serve as Chair of the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is among the most prolific in our state’s history. Throughout her distinguished career, Congresswoman Johnson served with integrity and passion, earning the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Her leadership and dedication to advancing critical issues, from healthcare, STEAM, transportation to education, have left an indelible mark on the nation. As a former registered nurse, she was an authoritative figure in the fight for affordable health care, services and resources for veterans, women, and children.

She also fought for resources for mental health and to combat the maternal mortality crisis. As we mourn the loss of a trailblazer, we also celebrate the life of a remarkable woman who shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson's impact on our democracy will be remembered for years to come.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside her. In this time of grief, let us remember and honor the legacy of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, a champion for justice, equality, and the American people.".