Rep. Sylvester Turner, a newly elected Democratic congressman from Texas, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday night after attending President Donald Trump’s address to Congress.
Turner, 70, had just begun his first term a few weeks ago, representing Texas District 18 after winning the seat in November 2024 following the death of longtime Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
Earlier that evening, Turner attended Trump’s address, bringing Angela Hernandez, the mother of a special needs child, as his guest. He had posted a message on social media criticizing potential Medicaid cuts, saying, “Don’t mess with Medicaid.”
However, during the night, Turner reportedly began feeling unwell. Though he had spoken to a local news outlet, he was later rushed to the hospital, where he passed away. The cause of death is not yet confirmed.
Turner’s political career spanned decades, beginning in 1988 when he was first elected to the Texas state House. He later served two terms as mayor of Houston from 2016 to 2024.
His successor, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, called his passing “a terrible loss for the city”, praising Turner’s dedication to public service and his ability to rise from poverty to become a respected leader.
Turner had previous health challenges, including osteosarcoma (bone cancer), which led to surgery and radiation treatment in 2022.
Though his time in Congress was brief, his impact on Texas politics was significant. He is survived by his daughter, Ashley Turner Captain.