Texas Rep. Sylvester Turner (D), the former mayor of Houston, has passed away at the age of 70. His death marks the loss of an influential figure in Texas politics, known for his relentless advocacy and commitment to social welfare.
A bipartisan response quickly followed after news of his death made headlines, but Texas Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D) issued a heartfelt statement mourning Rep. Turner’s passing, calling him “a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and a true champion for the people of Houston.”
I am devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Congressman Sylvester Turner. He was a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and a true champion for the people of Houston.
He was a native son of Houston, born and raised in Acres Home, in the same year… pic.twitter.com/s2iGUltPvH
— Rep. Sylvia Garcia (@RepSylviaGarcia) March 5, 2025
Born and raised in Acres Home, a historically Black neighborhood in Houston, Rep. Turner’s life was shaped by his humble beginnings. The son of a mother who picked cotton and a father who worked as a painter, Turner was raised with a strong sense of duty and resilience. He never forgot where he came from, a principle that guided his decades of public service.
For 27 years, Rep. Turner served in the Texas House of Representatives, where he became a respected leader and advocate for working-class families. In 2015, he was elected Mayor of Houston, leading the city through some of its most challenging times, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during these crises earned him widespread respect, as he worked tirelessly to rebuild communities and provide relief to those in need.
Rep. Turner’s commitment to social and economic justice defined his time in public office. He championed policies that revitalized neglected neighborhoods, improved public transportation, and expanded access to healthcare. In 2024, he took his fight to Washington, representing Texas’s 18th Congressional District, where he continued advocating for equity and progress.
“He was my partner in good trouble, always ready to fight fiercely for those who needed him the most,” Rep. Garcia said in her statement. “Houston has lost a giant, but his impact will never fade.”
