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By Mandy Taheri
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U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, the former mayor of Houston, has died at 70, Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced.
The Democrat was just two months into his first congressional term after being elected to represent Texas's 18th district in November.
Newsweek reached out to the Democratic National Committee and Turner's press teams via email for comment.
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The Context
Turner served as Houston's mayor for eight years after being elected in 2015, reaching the city's term limit. He then ran to fill the seat of the late Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who died in July 2024 from pancreatic cancer.
The Democratic loss increases the Republican majority in the chamber, with control now at 218-214.
What To Know
On Wednesday, Whitmire confirmed that Turner had passed away on Tuesday night. The current mayor said Turner was in Washington, D.C., working Tuesday evening when he was taken to the hospital, where he died, Fox 26 Houston reported.
Turner was a well-known Houstonian who rose through the local, state, and federal governments. Before his mayoral run, he spent 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 139 from 1989 to 2016.
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Following Lee's death in 2024, he ran for her seat to represent Texas's 18th district in the U.S. House, winning over 69 percent of the vote. Lee's daughter, Erica Lee Carter, served the remainder of her mother's term.
Turner's congressional term officially started on January 3, 2025. He passed away just two months into his term.
The cause of death is not yet known.
He was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer in 2022 and underwent surgery and radiation treatment.
Hours before he passed and just ahead of President Donald Trump's joint congressional address, Turner posted on his X, formerly Twitter, account: "My message to the current administration for tonight's State of the Union: 'Don't mess with Medicaid.'"
What People Are Saying
Houston Mayor John Whitmire, on X: "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."
Representative Wesley Hunt, a Texas Republican, on X: "[Turner's] life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering service...His leadership shaped the city of Houston and touched the lives of millions... Just last night, I had the privilege of speaking with him before the President's address—never imagining it would be our last conversation. Our hearts go out to the Turner family and to all of Houston as we grieve the loss of a man who gave everything to his community. May his legacy continue to inspire us all."
Representative Terri Sewell, an Alabama Democrat, on X: "I'm saddened to hear of the passing of my colleague, Congressman Sylvester Turner. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service as Mayor of Houston and the Representative for Texas' 18th Congressional District. May he Rest in Peace. 🙏🏾"
Kirk Watson, the mayor of Austin, on X: "Hearing that my friend Sylvester Turner died makes me very sad. I was always touched by his compassion for people and I greatly admired his eloquence in working to help those who counted on him for help. Sylvester was a remarkable man with the true heart of a public servant. He was a friend. I will miss laughing with him and we'll all miss his commitment to doing good."
Dustin Burrows, Republican Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, on X: "Elisabeth and I are saddened to hear the news of Congressman Sylvester Turner's passing. His decades of public service—from the halls of the Legislature to Houston City Hall and, most recently, our nation's Capitol—leave behind a legacy of leadership and advocacy for the people of Houston. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the entire Houston community during this difficult time. May he rest in peace."
What Happens Next
Houston City Council will stand in recess until 10 a.m. local time in honor of Turner.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott can call a special election to fill the seat for the rest of his two-year term. Andrew Mahaleris, Abbott's press secretary, told Newsweek in an email statement, "An announcement on a special election will be made at a later date."
Update 3/5/25, 11:11 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 3/5/25, 11:47 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 3/5/25, 12:33 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 3/5/25, 4:10 p.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Andrew Mahaleris.
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