A Democrat congressman just weeks into office died on Tuesday, hours after President Donald Trump addressed Congress in a speech.
Democrat Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas “appeared to have died suddenly” according to CBS News. Turner, who was sworn into office in January, won the seat formerly held by the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX). He was 70 years old.
We are saddened by the passing of former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
His dedication to our city and imprint on our community will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences are with Congressman Turner’s family, friends and all who were impacted by his leadership. pic.twitter.com/eqU3FdIOuL
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) March 5, 2025
“Turner attended President Trump’s joint address to Congress Tuesday night, a source said, but at some point, he started feeling unwell. Another source said the cause of his death is unclear,” CBS News reported.
He had posted to social media ahead of Trump’s address with a warning about Medicaid: “My message to the current administration for tonight’s State of the Union: ‘Don’t mess with Medicaid.”
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
Turner served as Houston’s mayor from 2016 until 2024 and upon news of his passing, the current Mayor John Whitmire expressed his sadness over the loss.
“A remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people,” Whitmire said in a statement. “He rose from poverty but never forgot where he came from. It is a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss for me. I ask Houstonians to celebrate his life.”
“We’re saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner, who represented Texas’s 18th District,” House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on X. “He served his community faithfully, not only as a member of Congress, but as a former state legislator and a mayor of Houston.”
We’re saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner, who represented Texas’s 18th District.
He served his community faithfully, not only as a member of Congress, but as a former state legislator and a mayor of Houston.
Our prayers are with his family…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) March 5, 2025
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a statement:
The House Democratic Caucus family is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner. Though he was newly elected to the Congress, Rep. Turner had a long and distinguished career in public service and spent decades fighting for the people of Houston.
A graduate of Harvard Law School, Congressman Turner was an accomplished attorney, going on to open a law firm that remains a mainstay in the community. For 27 years, Sylvester served in the Texas House of Representatives where he fought for Houstonians on the pivotal Appropriations Committee and served as Speaker Pro Tem for three terms. For eight years, Sylvester boldly led the city of Houston as its 62nd Mayor, while serving as a leader within the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the African American Mayors Association.
“The entire House Democratic Caucus family is praying for the Turner family and staff, as well as the City of Houston. May he forever rest in power,” Jeffries concluded.
Texas Republican Rep. Brandon Weber wrote: “Brenda Gail and I are heartbroken by the passing of my friend Sylvester Turner. We served together in the Texas House, and I had the honor of working alongside him in Congress, even if only for a short time.”
“He was a devoted public servant who cared deeply for Houstonians. Just last night, we spoke on the House Floor—life is too short. We are praying for his family, friends, and all who are mourning his passing,” he added.
