HOUSTON — Former Houston Mayor and U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner has died at the age of 70.
The Houston Chronicle first reported the story after current Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced the news during a Houston City Council meeting on Wednesday morning. Whitmire said Turner was working in Washington, D.C. when he was taken to a hospital and later died. The cause of death is unknown at this time.
A statement from Turner’s office highlighted his life and career as a lawyer and politician and said details on his memorial services will be announced in the coming days.
“Born on September 27, 1954, in Houston’s Acres Homes neighborhood, Congressman Turner dedicated his life to public service and the betterment of his community,” the statement read.
Turner was elected mayor of Houston and served two terms from 2016 to 2024. Before that, he served in the Texas House from 1989 until 2016. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November. He filled the seat of former U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died of cancer last year.
“Throughout his career, he was known for his bipartisan leadership, dedication to his constituents, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all Houstonians,” the statement said. “Congressman Turner is survived by his loving family, devoted staff and numerous friends who cherished his wisdom, humor, and steadfast dedication to public service.”
During the Houston City Council meeting, Whitmire shared his thoughts on Turner’s life and legacy. The two were recently seen together at a church service.
“A remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people. He rose from poverty, but never forgot where he came from. It is a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss for me. I ask Houstonians to celebrate his life,” said Whitmire.
Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement on Wednesday.
“Cecilia and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner. Congressman Turner was a man of character who served his fellow Texans for more than 36 years. From his time as State Representative, to Mayor of Houston, and finally representing Texas’ 18th Congressional District, Congressman Turner leaves behind a legacy of service to our great state. Congressman Turner will be missed, and our prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this time of grief,” said Abbott.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also released a statement via his official website.
“This morning, Jan and I were saddened to hear the news of Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s passing. Please join us in prayer for Congressman Turner’s family, friends, and the entire city of Houston,” said Patrick.
Texas representatives from the state House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence reacted to the news during a committee meeting. Rep. Jeff Leach, R-McKinney, and Rep. Harold V. Dutton Jr., D-Houston — who both worked with Turner in the Texas House of Representatives — appeared to be holding back emotions while responding.
“Though from opposite sides of the political aisle from Congressman Turner, I just knew him as Sylvester. He always made it clear to all of us to call him Sylvester. He never wanted to be called chairman or congressman or representative or mayor, he wanted to be called Sylvester. And he was a wonderful, wonderful man.” said Leach.
“One of things you learn here is that there’s some things that transcend party, politics and one of them is friendship. When you find a real friend, you kind of attach yourself to them, and so that is what Sylvester Turner was, not only to me, but to a number of people in this chamber. He will be missed,” said Dutton Jr.
Later Wednesday afternoon, Texas members of Congress from both political parties took to the U.S. House floor to honor Turner, including a moment of silence.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
