U.S. Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner passed away on Wednesday at the age of 70, just months after winning Texas’ 18th Congressional District race. Turner’s remarkable career spanned nearly four decades, with 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives and eight years as Houston’s mayor ¹.
As news of his passing spread, city and state officials paid tribute to Turner’s enduring legacy. Houston Mayor John Whitmire remembered Turner as an outstanding public official, saying, “Experience matters folks. No one will be able to step into Sylvester’s shoes and carry on his duties because there’s only one Sylvester Turner.”
Turner’s impact on Houston was profound, with a mayoral tenure marked by efforts to address the city’s potholes, infrastructure, public safety, and flooding. His commitment to public service was unwavering, earning him recognition as a pillar of strength and wisdom in the community.
U.S. Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, who represents Texas’ 7th Congressional District, described Turner as an exceptional Houstonian and human being. “In his presence, you could always feel the love for the city that we call home and for all the people who live here,” she said.
Turner’s passing has sent shockwaves through the community, with many remembering his tireless dedication to public service. As a congressman, he represented Texas District 139 from 1989 until 2016 and was a vocal advocate for issues like healthcare, education, and consumer protection ¹.