Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has died at 70, just two months into his first congressional term. His passing leaves a leadership void in Texas’ 18th District.
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U.S. Representative and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner passed away early Wednesday morning at the age of 70, merely two months into his first term representing Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
Turner, a prominent figure in Houston politics, served as mayor from 2016 to 2024, leading the city through significant challenges such as Hurricane Harvey. Prior to that, he dedicated almost 27 years to serving in the Texas House of Representatives.
Turner’s death comes after the passing of his political ally, former U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who occupied the seat for decades before she died last year from pancreatic cancer. His family reported that he passed away from "enduring health complications" at home, just hours after attending President Donald Trump’s congressional address. Turner had earlier disclosed his struggle with bone cancer but announced that he was cancer-free last summer.
His passing creates an opening in the closely contested U.S. House, where Republicans currently occupy 218 seats compared to the Democrats' 214.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott possesses the power to convene a special election to occupy Turner’s seat, although a timeline has yet to be disclosed.
Turner, having committed to serving just two terms, viewed himself as a connector to the next generation of leadership. The replacement for him is expected to be a significant point of interest for Houston Democrats, with former city council member Amanda Edwards rising as a possible candidate.
At a city council meeting, Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirmed the passing of Turner, reflecting on him as a devoted public servant who always remembered his origins.
Details regarding the memorial service are anticipated in the upcoming days.
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