U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, a Texas Democrat and former mayor of Houston, passed away at the age of 70 just hours after attending President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. His sudden passing has sparked an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum.
A Career of Public Service
Turner dedicated his life to serving the people of Texas, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and commitment to his constituents.
- Houston Mayor – Served two terms from 2016 to 2024, leading the city through major crises, including Hurricane Harvey.
- Texas House of Representatives – Represented his district for 27 years, advocating for infrastructure investment, economic opportunity, and working-class families.
- U.S. Congress – Elected in November 2024 to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District, succeeding Sheila Jackson Lee.
Turner’s Health and Final Public Appearance
Turner had been battling bone cancer in his jaw, a diagnosis he publicly disclosed in 2022. Despite his condition, he remained active in politics and attended Trump’s speech to Congress, where he stood alongside other lawmakers in the chamber.
Shortly after the event, he suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to the hospital. Hours later, he passed away at his residence.
Before the speech, Turner shared a video message on social media, appearing alongside his guest, Angela Hernandez, as he advocated against proposed Medicaid cuts. He emphasized the program’s importance for families like Hernandez’s, whose daughter suffers from a rare genetic disorder.
My message to the current administration for tonight’s State of the Union: “Don’t mess with Medicaid.”
I am proud to have Angela Hernandez here from our Congressional district as my guest. She is representing and advocating for her daughter Baislee Garcia who has a rare genetic… pic.twitter.com/n9p49IXGHa
— U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner (@repsturner) March 5, 2025
Reactions and Tributes
Turner’s passing has led to tributes from both political allies and opponents, honoring his long-standing commitment to public service.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised Turner as “a man of character who served Texans for nearly four decades.”
- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries recognized Turner’s lifetime of dedication to Houston and the people of Texas.
- Local leaders hailed Turner’s ability to unite communities and advocate for policies that improved lives.
Impact on Congress
Turner’s death creates a temporary shift in the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The current count now stands at 218 Republicans, 214 Democrats, and three vacancies, further solidifying the GOP’s narrow majority.
A special election will be scheduled to fill his seat, as Texas Democrats seek to retain control of the district.