HOUSTON, Tx. (3/6/2025) – Rep. Sylvester Turner dies at 70, leaving behind a legacy of public service in Texas politics.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirmed Turner’s passing during a city council meeting on Wednesday morning. Officials said Turner was working in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night when he was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
His cause of death remains unknown.
Turner was elected in November 2024 to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District, taking over the seat previously held by late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who died of pancreatic cancer in July 2024.
Before serving in Congress, Turner spent eight years as Houston’s mayor and more than two decades in the Texas House of Representatives. His leadership impacted key issues, including infrastructure, economic development, and disaster recovery.
“This comes as a shock to everyone,” Whitmire said. “I’m going to ask Houstonians to come together, pray for his family, and celebrate his remarkable life.”
Turner’s passing leaves a significant gap in Texas politics. Leaders across the state are mourning and reflecting on his decades of dedication.
As the City of Houston grieves, more details about Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death at 70 are expected in the coming days.
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