HOUSTON—Former Houston Mayor and U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner has died at age 69, marking another significant loss for the city following the death of longtime Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee last year.

Turner, born Sept. 27, 1954, dedicated his life to public service. He served as Houston’s mayor from 2016 to 2024, guiding the city through major challenges, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. Following Jackson Lee’s passing in July 2024, Turner won the special election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, a seat she had held for nearly three decades.

A Legacy of Leadership

Raised in the Acres Homes neighborhood, Turner’s political career spanned more than three decades. Before his time as mayor, he served in the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years, where he focused on public education, infrastructure improvements, and economic development. As mayor, he prioritized flood mitigation, public safety, and affordable housing, leaving a lasting impact on Houston.

Turner was a familiar face at Houston’s biggest events. Just two days before his passing, he rode in the Houston Rodeo parade, sharing photos on social media.

His final public statement, posted on March 4, was a strong stance against Medicaid cuts during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. Turner was in Congress alongside Houston resident Angela Hernandez, who was advocating for her daughter, Baislee Garcia, who has a rare genetic disorder.

“Let me be clear: Any cuts to Medicaid are a direct attack on families like Angela’s,” Turner wrote. “President Trump and Elon Musk’s push to gut Medicaid is nothing short of a betrayal of the most vulnerable among us. They are playing politics with children’s lives, and I will not stand for it.”

Houston Loses a Champion

Turner’s death comes as the city prepared for his annual Juneteenth celebration in Acres Homes, an event he cherished as a tribute to his community. His legacy as a tireless advocate for working-class families and underserved communities will not be forgotten.

With Houston still reeling from the loss of Jackson Lee, Turner’s passing marks the end of an era. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to the people of Houston will be remembered for generations.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.