Houston, Texas – The city of Houston and the nation are mourning the loss of former Houston Mayor and current U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner, who passed away at the age of 70. His passing was confirmed by Houston Mayor John Whitmire during Wednesday’s City Council meeting.
Turner was taken to a hospital in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, where he was later pronounced dead. Mayor Whitmire honored his legacy, calling him “a remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people. He rose from poverty but never forgot where he came from. It is a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss for me. I ask Houstonians to celebrate his life.”
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Sylvester Turner’s commitment to public service spanned decades. Born and raised in Houston’s Acres Homes neighborhood, Turner’s journey from humble beginnings to political prominence is a testament to his dedication to his community. He graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science before earning his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.
Turner’s career in law began at Fulbright & Jaworski, where he specialized as a trial lawyer before co-founding the firm Barnes & Turner, which focused on commercial and personal injury litigation.
Decades in Public Office
Turner served in the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years, representing District 139. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in state financial policy, serving 21 years on the House Appropriations Committee and six years as Speaker Pro Tem. His legislative work spanned public safety, economic development, healthcare, and education.
In 2015, Turner was elected the 62nd Mayor of Houston, later securing re-election in 2019. His time as mayor was marked by resilience in the face of adversity, leading the city through seven federally declared disasters, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transforming Houston’s Future
Turner was instrumental in tackling Houston’s financial challenges, implementing sweeping pension reforms that reduced billions in liabilities. He also championed progressive initiatives such as the city’s first Climate Action Plan, setting a goal for carbon neutrality by 2050.
As a national leader in climate resilience, Turner chaired the Global Resilient Cities Network and the U.S. Climate Mayors organization. His commitment to sustainability, urban development, and environmental justice solidified Houston’s role in global climate discussions.
Commitment to Public Safety and Community Development
Turner prioritized public safety with the One Safe Houston initiative, focusing on crime prevention and mental health services. He launched One Clean Houston, targeting illegal dumping, and Complete Communities, a transformative effort to revitalize historically underserved neighborhoods.
His Hire Houston Youth program provided more than 20,000 young adults with job opportunities, fostering economic mobility and workforce development.
A National Voice for Urban Policy
Turner’s influence extended beyond Houston. He served as Chair of the African American Mayors Association and was a Trustee for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, advocating for policies that benefited urban communities across the country.
A Life Remembered
Turner remained deeply connected to his Houston roots. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he continued residing in Acres Homes, staying engaged with his community. He is survived by his daughter and grandson, leaving behind a powerful legacy of service, leadership, and advocacy.
Final Days and Passing
On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Turner attended President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress in Washington, D.C. Later that evening, he fell ill at the Cannon House Office Building and was hospitalized. Despite receiving medical care, he was pronounced dead the following morning.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to Houston and the nation will be remembered for generations to come.
