Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who is currently running for mayor of Houston, has a reputation as one of the most difficult people to work for on Capitol Hill. This was made abundantly clear in a leaked audio recording that surfaced just days before early voting in the mayoral race began.
In the audio, a voice alleged to be Jackson Lee’s could be heard inappropriately berating two staffers about the location of papers that were involved in her appearance at an event for Ovide Duncantell, the late founder of the Black Heritage Society and a Houston political figure.
The leaked audio, still unverified according to the Houston Chronicle, has been circulating on social media and was released to Texas-based outlet Current Revolt on Saturday. The Chronicle notes that this type of behavior would not be out of character for Jackson Lee and that she has never had audio or video evidence surface of her berating someone in the past.
According to the audio, Jackson Lee can be heard using extremely foul language and making derogatory remarks towards her staffers. “I don’t want you to do a g****** thing. I want you to have a f***ing brain,” she says. “That’s the kind of staff that I want to have.”
She then goes on to insult and belittle two staffers, calling them “stupid motherf***er,” “f***-ups,” “big-a** children,” and “f***ing idiots.”
This type of behavior in the workplace is unacceptable and speaks to Jackson Lee’s immaturity and lack of respect for those working for her. The leaked audio gives a glimpse into her true character and it is not the type of character that belongs in a leadership role, let alone the mayor of one of America’s most populous cities.
Jackson Lee’s campaign has not denied the authenticity of the audio but instead has tried to shift the blame onto her political rival, state Sen. John Whitmire, and conservative media outlets. However, this type of language and behavior cannot be blamed on political schemes or manipulated recordings.
If this audio is indeed real, it raises serious questions about Jackson Lee’s temperament and qualifications for the mayoral race. As a party that claims to value “safe spaces” and “acting your wage,” it is hypocritical for the Democratic party to stand behind someone who speaks to their subordinates in such a disrespectful and degrading manner.
LISTEN: *Warning, strong language advisory:
Leaked audio obtained by @CurrentRevolt shows Democrat Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee berating a staffer: "F**king idiots serve no goddamn purpose … Nobody gives a shit about what you're doing and you ain't doing shit!"
(WARNING: Explicit language) pic.twitter.com/Lzl4AmKhkS
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 21, 2023
The fact that Jackson Lee has not fiercely denied the audio could also suggest that this is indeed how she conducts herself in the workplace. If this is the case, she should not only withdraw from the mayoral race but also reassess her position as a representative in Congress.
In short, if this is not a fabricated and manipulated recording, it is a clear indication that Jackson Lee is not fit for a leadership role. Her arrogant and demeaning behavior towards her staff is a reflection of her immaturity and lack of respect for those around her. Houston deserves better than a mayor who uses foul language and insults to get her point across. It is time for Jackson Lee to take responsibility for her actions and step down from her political position.