Texas Representative Sylvester Turner, a first-term Democratic lawmaker and former Houston mayor, has passed away at 70. His death came just hours after attending President Donald Trump’s address to Congress.
Turner, sworn into office in January, suffered a medical emergency in a Capitol tunnel on Tuesday. Despite hospital treatment, he passed away at his Washington, D.C. home early Wednesday.
A lifelong public servant, Turner served as Houston’s mayor from 2016 to 2024, leading recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also spent 27 years in the Texas House, shaping state policies.
Born in Houston’s Acres Homes community, Turner overcame adversity to attend Harvard Law. His final act of service was advocating for Medicaid alongside a constituent.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries honored him as an “iconic leader.” Turner is survived by his family, including his beloved grandson, Jamison, born last year.
