Sylvester Turner, former Houston mayor and newly elected U.S. representative, passed away at 70 after a medical emergency following President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. Turner built a long career in Texas politics and took office in January. Officials have not yet determined a cause of death, but Sylvester Turner previously battled bone cancer.
Here’s what we know about Sylvester Turner’s death and his legacy in public service.
Sylvester Turner passes away at 70, claims report
Sylvester Turner, a former mayor of Houston and newly elected U.S. representative, died on Wednesday, March 5, in Washington at the age of 70.
Turner attended President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday night and later suffered a medical emergency. His press secretary, Gregory Carter, said doctors took Turner to a hospital after the speech, but he returned home and later died. Officials have not determined a cause of death, but Turner previously battled bone cancer.
Turner had a long career in Texas politics, serving in the state legislature from 1989 to 2016 before becoming Houston’s mayor, a position he held until January 2024. He won a special election in November to succeed Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away in July 2024. Turner was sworn into Congress on January 3, 2025.
He was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and had been a vocal advocate for Medicaid, posting a video on social media shortly before Trump’s speech in which he urged, “Don’t mess with Medicaid.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., described Turner as an “iconic leader” and “fighter until the end.” Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Turner “served his community faithfully.” President Joe Biden called Turner a “remarkable Congressman, Mayor, father, and grandfather” and expressed condolences to his family and constituents. Other lawmakers, including Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., and Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas, also acknowledged his contributions.
Under Texas law, Governor Greg Abbott must call a special election to fill Turner’s congressional seat, a process that may take months. Turner’s death shifts the House balance to a 218-214 Republican majority, allowing Republicans to afford only one GOP defection on key votes if all lawmakers are present.
