Former Houston Mayor and U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner Passes Away at 70

Turner’s passing comes just months after securing a seat in Texas’ 18th Congressional District. He previously served as Houston’s mayor for eight years following a distinguished 27-year tenure in the Texas House of Representatives.

Former Houston Mayor and U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner has passed away at the age of 70 due to ongoing health complications.

According to a statement from his family, Turner passed away peacefully at his home in Washington, D.C., at 5:45 a.m. on Wednesday, just hours after attending President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night.

Turner’s passing comes only months after he successfully won the race for Texas’ 18th Congressional District. A towering figure in Houston’s political landscape, Turner served as the city’s mayor for eight years following an extensive 27-year career in the Texas House of Representatives, where he represented Texas District 139 from 1989 to 2016.

A Legacy of Leadership

“We have lost an extraordinary public servant,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire at City Hall on Wednesday. “Experience matters, and no one can truly fill the shoes of Sylvester Turner—because there was only one Sylvester Turner.”

A Houston native, Turner was born in 1954 and raised in Acres Homes, a historically Black neighborhood. A standout student, he graduated as valedictorian from Klein High School in 1973 before earning a degree in political science from the University of Houston in 1977. He later attended Harvard Law School, where he honed his legal expertise before launching a career in corporate and commercial law.

In 2022, near the end of his mayoral tenure, Turner revealed that he had been privately battling bone cancer. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the disease was first detected when doctors discovered a tumor on his jaw during a routine dental visit. Later that year, he announced he was cancer-free.

Reflecting on Turner’s impact, Whitmire added, “He was an inspiring speaker. If you’ve ever been in a Black church on a Sunday morning and had to follow Sylvester Turner on the podium, you know he brought out the best in public service.”

Impact as Houston’s Mayor

As mayor, Turner was widely recognized for his efforts to improve Houston’s infrastructure, public safety, and disaster preparedness. Early in his tenure, he prioritized addressing the city’s pothole crisis and led initiatives to bolster flood prevention and emergency response. His leadership was particularly evident during federally declared disasters such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Turner also championed public safety measures, including a gun buyback program, and spearheaded the Vision Zero initiative to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety in Houston’s traditionally car-dependent urban landscape.

“During his tenure, Sylvester Turner reimagined miles of Houston’s streets to prioritize safety over speed—an ambitious feat for any American mayor, but especially for the leader of a city deeply intertwined with the petroleum industry,” said Joe Cutrufo, executive director of BikeHouston.

However, Turner’s tenure was not without controversy. He had a long-standing, often contentious relationship with the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, which was engaged in a prolonged labor dispute with his administration. Despite these challenges, the association extended its condolences on Wednesday, acknowledging his decades of service.

A Return to Public Office

Following a brief retirement, Turner re-entered politics last year to run for Congress after the passing of Sheila Jackson Lee. He emphasized that only her untimely death at a pivotal moment in the election cycle could have drawn him back into public service.

His congressional campaign focused on police accountability, securing federal resources for hurricane recovery, and addressing cancer clusters in Houston’s Fifth Ward. He also advocated for stronger gun reform, reducing inequality in public education, and tackling the rising cost of living.

Honoring Turner’s Legacy

On Wednesday, city and state leaders paid tribute to Turner’s enduring contributions to Houston and beyond.

“The loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner is immeasurable,” said Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee. “For nearly four decades, he dedicated his life to public service, serving as a pillar of strength and wisdom for Houstonians, residents of the 18th Congressional District, and all Texans.”

U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher, who serves Texas’ 7th Congressional District, described Turner as the embodiment of Houston’s spirit.

“I am heartbroken over the loss of this exceptional leader and human being,” said Fletcher. “His love for this city and its people was evident in every conversation.”

Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones called Turner a “transformational leader” whose influence extended to every neighborhood he represented.

“Congressman Turner’s career carried the hopes of his community, and his legacy will resonate for generations to come,” Briones said. “He loved reminding us what it means to be a Houstonian.”

Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa echoed these sentiments, calling Turner a true Texan.

“He worked hard, faced adversity with courage, and believed that unity was always stronger than division,” Hinojosa stated.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo expressed her shock and sadness at Turner’s passing, describing him as both a governing partner and a friend.

“I am devastated,” Hidalgo said. “Sylvester and I often reflected on how remarkable it was that a kid from Acres Homes and an immigrant kid could rise to lead Houston and Harris County. We mourned the loss of Sheila Jackson Lee together, celebrated rodeos, and cheered on Astros wins. I loved and appreciated him deeply.”

Turner’s legacy as a dedicated public servant, community advocate, and transformative leader will endure, shaping Houston’s future for generations to come.