Sylvester Turner, a distinguished public servant and former mayor of Houston, passed away at the age of 70 on March 5, 2025. His death has left the Houston community and the nation mourning the loss of a dedicated leader who devoted his life to public service.
Born and raised in Houston’s Acres Homes neighborhood, Turner rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in Texas politics. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School and went on to establish a successful legal career before entering public office. In 1989, Turner began his political journey by serving in the Texas House of Representatives, a position he held for 27 years. During his tenure, he became known for his advocacy on behalf of working families and his efforts to improve infrastructure and economic opportunities in Texas.
In 2016, Turner was elected as the 62nd mayor of Houston, serving two terms until 2024. His mayoral tenure was marked by significant challenges, including guiding the city through the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Turner’s leadership during these crises earned him respect and admiration from both constituents and colleagues. He was also instrumental in implementing police reform, reducing city debt, and tackling environmental issues affecting historically Black neighborhoods in Houston.
After the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in July 2024, Turner came out of retirement to run for the vacant seat in Texas’s 18th congressional district. He won the election in November 2024 and was sworn into Congress in January 2025. Despite his brief tenure, Turner continued to champion causes close to his heart, including healthcare access and social justice.
On March 4, 2025, Turner attended President Donald Trump’s address to Congress in Washington, D.C. He was accompanied by Angela Hernandez, a Houston resident and mother whose two-year-old daughter relies on Medicaid due to a rare genetic condition. Turner’s presence at the address underscored his commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations and opposing proposed cuts to Medicaid.
Following the address, Turner began feeling unwell and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. He was later released but passed away at his Washington, D.C., apartment in the early hours of March 5 due to enduring health complications. In 2022, Turner had been diagnosed with bone cancer in his jaw but had declared himself cancer-free after treatment. However, it is unclear if his previous illness was related to his sudden passing.
The news of Turner’s death sent shockwaves through the Houston community and beyond. Houston Mayor John Whitmire expressed deep sorrow, stating, “A remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people. 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.”
Colleagues and constituents alike remembered Turner for his unwavering dedication to public service and his profound impact on the city.Turner’s legacy is characterized by his relentless pursuit of justice, equality, and better living conditions for all Houstonians. He was a staunch advocate for historically marginalized communities and worked tirelessly to ensure that their voices were heard in the corridors of power. His efforts in police reform led to significant changes in the Houston Police Department, fostering better community-police relations and increasing accountability.
In addition to his political achievements, Turner was deeply involved in his local community. He was a long-standing member of the Church Without Walls in Houston, where he was honored during an Ash Wednesday service following his passing. The congregation reflected on his legacy, particularly his dedication to the Acres Homes community and his unwavering commitment to justice and truth.
Turner’s death has left a void in Texas’s 18th congressional district, prompting the need for a special election to fill the vacant seat. This marks the second time in a year that the district has faced such a loss, following the death of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in 2024. Governor Greg Abbott is expected to announce the date for the special election in the coming weeks.
As the city of Houston and the nation mourn the loss of Sylvester Turner, his legacy as a dedicated public servant and advocate for the underrepresented will continue to inspire future generations. His life’s work serves as a testament to the impact that committed leadership can have on a community and a reminder of the enduring power of public service.
