Sheila Jackson Lee Faces Backlash for Verbal Abuse of Staffers
U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who is running for Houston mayor, expressed regret after an audio recording leaked, allegedly showing her berating and demeaning her staff with profanity. In the recording, Jackson Lee can be heard using derogatory language and insulting her staffers. Former staff members have not commented on the recording, and Jackson Lee's campaign has refused to verify its authenticity. The Harris County Young Democrats withdrew their support for Jackson Lee, citing a "zero-tolerance policy for body-shaming and staff abuse." Jackson Lee's reputation for volatility in her office is well known, and she ranks sixth for staff turnover in a congressional data ranking.