Sylvester Turner, Houston’s Beloved Mayor and U.S. Representative, Dies at 70

March 05, 2025 – The nation mourns the loss of Sylvester Turner, a towering figure in Texas politics whose legacy as Houston mayor and Rep. Sylvester Turner touched countless lives. Known affectionately as Mayor Turner, he passed away this morning at 5:45 a.m. due to enduring health complications, leaving behind a career marked by resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Sylvester Turner died just months after being sworn into Congress in January 2025, a bittersweet capstone to a life defined by breaking barriers and championing the underserved.

From Houston Mayor to Congress

Born and raised in Houston, Sylvester Turner rose from humble beginnings to become one of the city’s most impactful leaders. As Mayor Sylvester Turner, he served from 2016 to 2024, steering Houston through natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and tackling systemic issues such as infrastructure and inequality. His tenure as Houston mayor earned him widespread admiration for his steady hand and community-first approach.

In November 2024, Turner won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, succeeding the late Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away in July 2024. Sworn in as Rep. Sylvester Turner in January 2025, he brought his signature passion to Washington, D.C. However, his time in Congress was tragically brief, cut short by the health struggles that had shadowed his later years.

Sylvester Turner’s Health

Sylvester Turner’s health had been a topic of concern since 2022 when he was diagnosed with bone cancer. Displaying the same tenacity that defined his political career, he fought the disease and declared himself cancer-free during his congressional campaign. Yet, the toll of his illness lingered.

Family members confirmed that Slyvester Turner—as some affectionately misspelled his name in tributes—succumbed to complications from his long health battle. His death came hours after President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on March 4, a speech Turner critiqued in his final X post for its proposed Medicaid cuts.

The news that Sylvester Turner died rippled through political circles and beyond. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark broke the news during a closed-door Democratic meeting, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called it a moment that left lawmakers “shocked and saddened.” Tributes poured in from across Houston and the nation, with many hailing Mayor Sylvester Turner as a trailblazer who never forgot his roots.

Turner’s passing also sparked immediate speculation about his congressional seat. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is expected to call a special election within two months to fill the vacancy left by Sylvestor Turner—another common misspelling trending online as fans and followers grieved. Some on social media suggest Sheila Jackson Lee’s daughter could run, reigniting a political dynasty in Houston.

A Legacy That Endures

At 70, Sylvester Turner leaves behind a legacy as vast as the city he once led. From his days as Houston mayor to his brief but impactful stint as Rep. Sylvester Turner, he embodied resilience and service. Whether guiding Houston through crises or fighting for healthcare in Congress, Turner’s voice was a beacon for the marginalized.

As the nation reflects on his contributions, one thing is clear: Mayor Turner—or simply Sylvester Turner to those who knew his story—will be remembered not just for what he did, but for who he was: a fighter, a leader, and a Houstonian through and through.