Newly Elected Texas Congressman, Who Replaced Late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Dies Hours After Attending Trump’s Speech
Texas Rep. Sylvester Turner, a longtime public servant and former mayor of Houston, passed away suddenly at the age of 70, just two months after taking office in Congress. Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirmed Turner’s death on Wednesday, March 5, at the start of a city council meeting.
Turner was taken to the hospital late Tuesday night after attending President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. He was later pronounced dead. “This comes as a shock to everyone,” Whitmire stated, asking for flags in Houston to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Turner’s legacy.
A Life Dedicated to Public Service
Turner had a distinguished career spanning decades. Before his election to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District in November 2024, he served as Houston’s mayor from 2016 to 2024 and spent 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives representing District 139.
A lifelong Houstonian, Turner was born in 1954 in the Acres Homes neighborhood. He graduated as valedictorian from Klein High School in 1973, earned a political science degree from the University of Houston in 1977, and later attended Harvard Law School. Before entering politics, he worked as an attorney specializing in corporate and commercial law.
Health Challenges and Political Resilience
In 2022, Turner revealed he had been quietly battling osteosarcoma after doctors discovered a tumor on his jaw. He underwent surgery and radiation treatments and later declared himself cancer-free. While his cause of death has not been officially confirmed, his prior health complications raise speculation.
Despite stepping down as mayor in 2024, Turner quickly came out of retirement to run for Congress following the passing of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee from pancreatic cancer. He ran on a platform focused on police accountability, disaster recovery efforts, and addressing Houston’s environmental concerns, particularly cancer clusters in the Fifth Ward.
Legacy of Leadership
Turner’s tenure as Houston’s mayor was marked by resilience and reform. He led the city through Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic, initiated a gun buyback program, and tackled infrastructure issues like potholes and flooding. However, his administration also faced tensions, notably a years-long labor dispute with the Houston Professional Firefighters Association.
In his tribute, Whitmire reflected on their close friendship, saying, “No one will be able to step into Sylvester’s shoes. There’s only one Sylvester Turner.”
Turner is survived by his daughter, Ashley Page Turner, and one grandson. Tributes from state and national leaders continue to pour in, honoring his enduring contributions to Houston and beyond.
