Sylvester Turner, Former Houston Mayor and Congressman, Passes Away at 70

Sylvester Turner Dies at 70 After Long Political Career

Former Houston Mayor and newly elected Congressman Sylvester Turner has passed away at the age of 70 due to ongoing health issues. He died at his home in Washington, D.C., early Wednesday morning, according to his family.

A Life Dedicated to Public Service

Turner’s political career spanned over four decades. Before serving as Houston’s mayor from 2016 to 2024, he represented Texas’ District 139 in the state House of Representatives for 27 years. Just months before his passing, Turner had won the election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, stepping out of retirement to fill the seat of the late Sheila Jackson Lee.

A Respected Leader in Houston

During his tenure as mayor, Turner focused on infrastructure, public safety, and disaster response. He played a key role in helping Houston recover from Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and guided the city through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Houston’s current mayor, John Whitmire, praised Turner’s legacy. “We’ve lost an outstanding public servant. No one can fill Sylvester’s shoes,” Whitmire said.

Turner’s Early Life and Career

Turner was born in 1954 in Acres Homes, a historically Black neighborhood in Houston. He excelled in academics, graduating as valedictorian from Klein High School. He later earned a political science degree from the University of Houston before attending Harvard Law School. Turner became an attorney specializing in corporate and commercial law before transitioning into politics.

A Battle with Cancer

In 2022, Turner revealed he had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, after a tumor was found in his jaw. He underwent treatment and later announced he was cancer-free by the end of that year.

Impact on Houston’s Infrastructure and Safety

One of Turner’s key achievements was improving Houston’s road infrastructure. He led efforts to repair potholes, modernize drainage systems, and enhance public transportation. He also championed a gun buyback program and launched the Vision Zero initiative to reduce traffic-related deaths.

Joe Cutrufo, executive director of BikeHouston, acknowledged Turner’s contributions, saying, “He prioritized safety in a historically car-dependent city, which was a bold move.”

Challenges and Political Controversies

Despite his many accomplishments, Turner had a contentious relationship with the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association. The union battled his administration over pay disputes for years. However, in a statement following his passing, the association acknowledged his contributions to Houston and extended condolences to his family.

Turner’s Final Political Mission

In 2024, Turner came out of retirement to run for Congress, citing his commitment to addressing police accountability, gun violence, and economic disparities. He won the election, securing a seat in Washington, D.C., to continue his advocacy for Houston.

A Legacy That Lives On

Turner’s passing marks the end of a long and impactful political career. His leadership, resilience, and commitment to his community will be remembered by Houstonians for generations to come.

Disclaimer

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This information is sourced from Houston Public Media

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