Former Houston Mayor and U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner Dies at 70

Turner, a lifelong public servant and political trailblazer, passed away months after succeeding Sheila Jackson Lee in Congress.

Sylvester Turner, a prominent Houston politician and U.S. Representative, died Tuesday night at the age of 70; the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Turner served as Houston's mayor from 2016 to 2023, represented Texas in the state legislature for nearly three decades, and recently succeeded Sheila Jackson Lee in Congress after her passing in 2024.
Raised in Houston's Acres Homes neighborhood, Turner graduated as valedictorian from Klein High School in 1973 and went on to attend Harvard Law School, later embarking on a distinguished career in public service.
Turner was known for his dedication to addressing issues such as gun violence, environmental justice, and public health, often collaborating with leaders like Sheila Jackson Lee during his tenure as mayor and congressman.
Tributes from political leaders, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, highlighted Turner's legacy of service, resilience, and commitment to his community.