Iconic former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, the first registered nurse elected to the U.S. House, sadly passed away this weekend at age 88.
Over her trailblazing career across nursing, Texas politics and 30 years in Washington, Johnson smashed barriers for women and people of color.
Battling Discrimination as a Nurse
Though Johnson did not originally intend a political path, early struggles with racism shaped her advocacy. After becoming the first Black nurse hired at Dallas’ VA Hospital, she endured horrific discrimination from hostile colleagues.
Despite the intense adversity, Johnson persevered in her groundbreaking psychiatric nursing role and eventually became the hospital’s first Black chief nurse. She mentored minority nurses for 16 years before entering public office, driven to fight the inequality she experienced firsthand.
Shattering Glass Ceilings in Texas Politics
Motivated by her nursing career, Johnson embarked on a history-making run in Texas politics as the first Black woman elected to the state House in 1972.
Voters then elevated her as Texas’ first Black female Senator in 1986. With these victories, Johnson established herself as a fierce champion for healthcare, education, housing, and women’s rights.
Record-Breaking Tenure in U.S. Congress
Johnson achieved yet another pioneering political milestone in 1993 when she became the first-ever registered nurse elected to Congress, representing Dallas.
After 15 straight reelections over 30 years, the pragmatic yet passionate Johnson set records as Texas’ longest-serving House member.
She leveraged her seniority to huge wins for Dallas, directing billions in federal funding to district transportation, infrastructure, housing, healthcare expansions, and more.
Johnson also co-founded the STEM Braintrust of the Congressional Black Caucus during her barrier-breaking tenure as the first woman and African American to chair the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
Lasting Legacy as a Trailblazer
At age 88 after passing on as an undisputed political icon in North Texas, Johnson leaves an indelible legacy as a courageous trailblazer who opened doors for women and minorities across nursing, Texas state politics, and three decades in Washington.
Her tenacious advocacy and record of achievement shall undoubtedly continue inspiring many into public service.
