Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, 70, died March 4. Mayor John Whitmire announced his death during a March 5 City Council meeting.
What we know
Turner, who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November, was visiting Washington, D.C. this week to watch President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress, according to his X account. Whitmire said Turner was taken to the hospital the night of March 4 where he later died. As of March 5, a cause of death had not yet been released.
"This comes as a shock to everyone," Whitmire said. “I would ask Houstonians to come together, pray for his family, join us in celebrating this remarkable public servant and celebrate his life."
Looking back
Turner was born and raised in Houston’s Acres Homes, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Houston and a doctorate from Harvard Law School, according to his official website for the 18th District of Texas.
Before becoming Houston mayor in 2016, Turner served in the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years, spent 21 years on the House Appropriations Committee and six years as speaker pro tem.
Turner served as Houston's mayor for two terms from 2016 to 2024. As mayor, Turner guided Houston through numerous federally declared natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. As mayor, Turner also:
- Launched Houston’s first Climate Action Plan, reinforcing the city’s status as the energy capital of the world and committing to carbon neutrality by 2050
- Prioritized public safety through initiatives such as the One Safe Houston initiative, which addressed violent crime and mental health, according to the website
- Provided over 20,000 jobs to young adults, improving economic mobility for the next generation through his Hire Houston Youth program
What they’re saying
Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis thanked Turner in a March 5 statement for all he gave to serve Houston, the state of Texas and the United States.
“We, the people, are all better off because you chose to dedicate yourself to a life of public service,” Ellis said. “You also advanced the continuous struggle to make this nation as good as its promise of freedom and justice for all.”
Whitmire also reflected on his friendship with Turner during the City Council meeting, saying he and Turner had a “tremendous influence” on each other as young elected officials, and had been together in good and bad times.
“He and I both love Houston, we love Texas and no one knows how close we are,” Whitmire said. “We’ve lost an outstanding public official. No one will be able to step into Sylvester’s shoes and carry on his duties because there’s only one Sylvester Turner.”
Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said in March 5 statement that Turner’s passing is a tremendous loss to the community, calling him a “transformational leader."
“Sylvester Turner was a mentor, a friend and a partner in delivering progress,” Briones said. “He didn’t just serve—he united. He didn’t just lead—he inspired. He knew that real change doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when people come together, roll up their sleeves and do the hard work. And that’s exactly what we did.”
Gov. Greg Abbott said in a March 5 statement that him and his wife are saddened to hear of Turner's death.
"Congressman Turner was a man of character who served his fellow Texans for more than 36 years," Abbott said. "From his time as State Representative, to Mayor of Houston and finally representing Texas' 18 Congressional District, Congressman Turner leaves behind a legacy of service to our great state."
Stay tuned
As of March 5, funeral services have not been announced. However, Whitmire said the flags at City Hall will be placed at half-staff in honor of Turner.
