Sylvester Turner, former Houston mayor and congressman, dies at 70
Former Houston mayor and U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner, known for his dedication to public service, justice, and Houston’s growth, has passed away at 70. He leaves behind a legacy of impactful leadership
Sylvester Turner, the former mayor of Houston and current U.S. Congressman representing Texas' 18th Congressional District, has passed away at the age of 70. The news was confirmed by current Houston Mayor John Whitmire at the beginning of a City Council meeting on Wednesday. Whitmire shared that Turner had been taken to a hospital in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, where he was later pronounced dead.
"A remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people," Whitmire said, describing Turner’s legacy. "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."
Sylvester Turner’s legacy of public service
Throughout his career, Turner focused on ensuring justice, equity, and progress, continuing the legacy of civil rights icons like Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland. His leadership in Texas' 18th Congressional District was marked by a commitment to transformative public service and making sure that the district’s rich history of advocating for marginalized communities remained intact.
As mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner lead the city through Hurricane Harvey, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Japan-America Society of Honor
Turner’s professional journey began in law, where he worked as a trial lawyer at Fulbright & Jaworski before co-founding Barnes & Turner, a prominent law firm specializing in commercial and personal injury litigation. His passion for justice led him into the political sphere, and he served 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives, where he played a pivotal role in shaping state fiscal policy. Turner was recognized for his bipartisan leadership, serving 21 years on the House Appropriations Committee and six years as Speaker Pro Tem.
From legal career to Political Leadership
In 2015, Turner was elected the 62nd mayor of Houston. His tenure as mayor was defined by his ability to lead the city through complex challenges, including seven federally declared natural disasters, most notably Hurricane Harvey, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. During his time in office, Turner implemented significant reforms in pension liabilities and spearheaded initiatives that helped shape Houston into a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable city. His tenure ended last January. Ten months later, he ran to fill the seat once held by longtime Congresswoman Jackson Lee, who died of pancreatic cancer in July 2024.
As Houston’s mayor, Turner focused on public safety, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity. He led the city through pension reforms, launched Houston’s first Climate Action Plan, and championed initiatives like One Safe Houston and One Clean Houston. His leadership extended to national platforms, where he served as Chair of the African American Mayors Association and helped lead the U.S. Conference of Mayors.