The Houston City Council stood in recess until 10 a.m. in honor of the longtime public servant.
Former Houston mayor and current U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) has died at the age of 70, according to city officials, who mourned his passing.
Turner’s death was announced by John Whitmire, the current Houston mayor, in a March 5 statement on social media.
Whitmire described Turner as a “remarkable public servant” with a humble background who positively impacted millions.
“He rose from poverty but never forgot where he came from,” Whitmire stated. “It is a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss for me. I ask Houstonians to celebrate his life.”
The Houston City Council stood in recess until 10 a.m. in honor of Turner, whose cause of death remains unknown.
Turner was mayor of Houston for eight years and served in the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years. Several months ago, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District. He was present at President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday night in Washington.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) took to social media to mourn Turner’s death.
“We’re saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner, who represented Texas’s 18th District,” Johnson stated. “He served his community faithfully, not only as a member of Congress, but as a former state legislator and a mayor of Houston. Our prayers are with his family and constituents as they mourn his loss.”
Other condolences poured in on social media.
The Houston Police Officers’ Union posted on X that Turner’s “unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to improving the lives of Houstonians will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb said he was “devastated” by Turner’s passing.
“He was more than a leader—he was a fighter for his people, a mentor, and a man who never forgot where he came from,” Bibb stated on X. “His impact on Houston and beyond will be felt for generations.”
Some of Turner’s accomplishments as mayor include shepherding a bipartisan package into law that helped address Houston’s rising pension debt. He was also active in the area of police reform.
Speaking at City Hall in Houston on March 5, Whitmire praised Turner as an “outstanding public official” whose loss would be deeply felt.
“Experience matters, folks,“ Whitmire said. ”No one will be able to step into Sylvester’s shoes and carry on his duties because there’s only one Sylvester Turner.”
“I’m a better speaker because of Sylvester,” Whitmire continued. “You just can’t understand what it’s like to be in an African American, a black church on Sunday morning with everyone enjoying the service and have to follow Sylvester Turner speaking.
“He will bring out the best in you in public service.”