02/11/2026
Yesterday many of us were saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Sarahjane "SJ" Swanson (aka. SJ Swanson), as many in the Houston area posted on social media and elsewhere their expressions of sorrow for the loss of a good woman, and praise for who SJ was in life.
“She was a leader, an organizer and a true patriot. SJ took gruff from no one. You argued or disagreed with her at your own peril. That said, we need more SJ Swansons to right this country. She was a role model for a driven, committed leader. I will miss her. Rest in peace, my friend.”
- Mary Jane Smith
“She was a true servant leader whose strength, grace, and generosity lifted countless others into service. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched and the leaders she helped shape. Rest in eternal glory, my dear friend.”
- Carmen Crenshaw
“SJ Swanson was a warrior. I deeply respected her. The world has reason to mourn losses like this one. May she Rest in Peace.”
- Cat Parks
“Passionate, loyal, and also cantankerous! There will never be another SJ.”
- Maureen Moore
“She was battling cancer, but you sure wouldn't know it by her strength, resolve, and dedication to rounding up candidates to run to fill our many courts. God rest SJ's soul and we can be sure she is telling someone where to line up in heaven.”
- Mark Goloby
“She was a force of nature with a singular mind to spot, field and elect Republican judicial candidates. It is hard to imagine just how HCRP can replace her. She was one of a kind.”
- Jay Karahan
I personally got to know SJ almost as soon as I first engaged with conservative and Republican organizations, and discovered a woman of great intellect, stern and unwavering ethics, dedicated and passionate in her work for the things she believed in. If you were fortunate enough to have her as an ally, you knew how lucky you were. But most importantly, I knew a woman of kind decency that you could tell flowed from her deep and abiding faith in God.
Our last note from her came on the night of a Christmastide event Mike and I host every year, and at which SJ had become a regular welcome guest. Ten minutes before the start, she messaged she had to turn around and would not be able to make it after all, she was not feeling well. Her last words to me, “I’m really sorry – I really wanted to be there with you.” Well, SJ we were honored and blessed by your friendship and your presence in our lives, and I am so sorry too.
Among many things, SJ was one of our TCLF members in Houston, she headed her own law firm, she was one of the leaders of the Greater Houston Pachyderm Club, and of course, she was in charge of the Judicial Screenings committee of the Harris County Republican Party.
On behalf of all us at the Texas Conservative Liberty Forum, I know I can say we all respected her admired her, and will mourn her loss. Our deep and heartfelt condolences to her husband, her family, and all who loved her.
The following is a Biblical quote featured on SJ’s page:
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Well done, SJ.
Marco Antonio Roberts, Chairman
Texas Conservative Liberty Forum