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Texas Congressman Sylvester Turner died, a day after attending President Donald Trump’s speech, the home democratic leader confirmed.
The 70-year-old representative of Texas and former Houston mayor died two months after he held office. His cause of death is not immediately clear.
‘The home -democratic caucus family is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner. Although he was new to the congress, Rep. Turner had a long and prominent career in public service and fought for the people of Houston for decades, ”Hopperem Jeffries, the democratic leader of the home, said in a statement on Wednesday.
‘Rep. Turner was a fighter until the end – he was present last night to ensure that the voice of one of his voters, who rely on Medicaid, is heard. In what would be his final message to his beloved voters last night, he reminded us’ don’t mess with Medicaid, ” Jeffries said.
The Democrat was elected to the congress in November and fills the seat provided by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away last year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In 2022, Turner shared his own battles with cancer and announced that he had undergone bone cancer treatment in his jaw.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire said at a council meeting on Wednesday: “It’s coming as a shock to everyone. I’m going to ask Houstonians to come together. Pray for his family. Join us to celebrate this remarkable civil servant. Celebrate his life, what we’re going to do.” Flags will be flown at the city buildings at the city buildings, he added.
Turner graduated from the University of Houston and Harvard Law School before serving 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives, started in 1988. He was elected mayor in 2015 and was re -elected in 2019.
“He was known during his career for his two -party leadership, dedication to his voters and unwavering commitment to improve the lives of all Housonians,” his office said in a statement. He is survived by his “loving family, dedicated staff and many friends who have cherished his wisdom, humor and steadfast commitment to public service.”
Turner’s family is asking for privacy, his office said. Details of commemorative services will be announced in the coming days.
Friendly words threw in for the late congressman.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rep. Sylvester Turner, ”said the Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson placed on x. “Turner was a proponent of his district, and his dedication to justice and service was clear during his short time in Congress. I pray that his family finds strength and comfort during this difficult time. “
Debbie Dingell, rep. His dedication to public service has made Houston and the world a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. “
Missouri rep. Wesley Bell posted a selfie with Turner last night. “Last night I picked up and embraced my friend and fellow colleague @sylvestturner – for some reason, (the night), I suggested we take a selfie, and no idea that it would be the last time I would see him. He was a former mayor of Houston, current representative, but more importantly a good man, “he wrote.
“I’m just overwhelmed. When I heard it, I fell to my knees. I can’t believe it, ‘said the Texas Rep. All Green told Axios.
Attorney and Civil Rights Advocate Ben Crump posted: “Rest in power, rep. Sylvester Turner. He was a lifelong fighter for the people of TX and carried the torch of the state law to the mayor of Houston and eventually to the congress, and the late rep. Sheila Jackson Lee succeeded. His legacy of service will not be forgotten. “
Austin Texas, Mayor Kirk Watson praised his’ true heart of a civil servant ‘in a poignant tribute:’ When I hear that my friend Sylvester Turner died, it makes me very sad. I was always touched by his compassion for people and I admired his eloquence to help those who counted him for help. Sylvester was a remarkable man with the true heart of a civil servant. He was a friend. I will miss laughing with him and we will all miss his dedication to doing good. ‘
