Sylvester Turner, a US Representative and former mayor of Houston, has passed away at the age of 70. Turner was elected in November to replace longtime Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away in July after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Turner served two terms as the mayor of Houston and was a member of the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years.
On Tuesday evening, during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, Turner was taken to the hospital after feeling unwell but was later discharged.
He passed away at his home on Wednesday morning at 5:45 AM due to health complications.
In 2022, Turner revealed that he had undergone surgery and radiation therapy for bone cancer in his jaw.
In a statement, Turner’s family said, “Congressman Turner was a dedicated public servant. But to us, he was our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and relative. Thank you for your prayers.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed his sorrow, stating, “The House Democratic Caucus family is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner. Although he was recently elected to Congress, Representative Turner had a long and distinguished career in public service, fighting for the people of Houston for decades.”
During a Houston City Council meeting on Wednesday, Mayor John Whitmire announced Turner’s passing, calling it “a shock to everyone.”
“I have lost a personal friend and mentor, and we have lost an outstanding public official,” Whitmire said.
Before President Trump’s speech on Tuesday night, Turner posted a video on social media introducing his guest, a mother from Houston, and sent a message to the current administration: “Don’t mess with Medicaid.”
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