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

By Hannah Mathew · Mar 5, 2025

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

Prominent Houston Leader Passes Away After Attending Congressional Address

Sylvester Turner, the longtime mayor of Houston and newly elected U.S. Representative for Texas’s 18th Congressional District, has passed away at the age of 70. Turner died on March 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C., shortly after attending President Donald Trump's address to Congress. His sudden passing has left Houston and the nation mourning a dedicated public servant whose influence spanned decades.

A Legacy of Leadership: From Texas Legislature to Congress

Born on September 27, 1954, in Houston’s Acres Homes neighborhood, Turner rose from humble beginnings to become a political force in Texas.

  • 1989-2016: Served in the Texas House of Representatives (District 139) for 27 years.
  • 2016-2024: Elected as Houston’s 62nd mayor, serving two terms.
  • 2024: Won the U.S. House seat, succeeding Sheila Jackson Lee.

As mayor, Turner led Houston through major crises, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic, while pushing forward reforms in infrastructure, policing, and pension systems.

Turner’s Final Moments: Illness Strikes After Trump’s Speech

Turner attended President Trump's address to Congress on March 4, after which he reportedly fell ill. He was taken to a hospital in Washington, D.C., where he later passed away.

While the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, Turner had previously battled osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in 2022.

Houston Mourns: Tributes from City Leaders

Houston’s current mayor, John Whitmire, announced Turner’s death during a city council meeting, expressing deep sorrow for his longtime colleague and friend.

  • Flags across Houston will be lowered to half-mast in Turner’s honor.
  • The city will host a public memorial service to celebrate his life and contributions.

"Sylvester Turner dedicated his life to serving the people of Houston and Texas. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched," said Mayor Whitmire.

A Legacy That Will Not Be Forgotten

Sylvester Turner’s career was defined by his resilience, dedication, and advocacy for underserved communities. His passion for public service shaped Houston and Texas politics, leaving behind a lasting impact that will be remembered for generations.