Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) has died at the age of 70, just two months and two days after taking office, party officials confirmed Wednesday.
Turner’s Passing and Congressional Impact
Turner was taken to a hospital but later died at home, according to spokesperson Linda Brown. His death leaves the House of Representatives with 218 Republicans, 214 Democrats, and three vacancies, giving Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) slightly more room in partisan legislative battles.
A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Tributes from Political Figures
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called Turner’s passing a shock and praised his long career in public service, particularly his decades of work for Houston.
Former DNC Chairman Jamie Harrison also expressed heartbreak, calling Turner a visionary leader who will be missed by many in Houston.
Turner’s Final Public Appearance
Turner attended President Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress on the night of his passing. His last post on X strongly opposed Medicaid cuts, calling them a betrayal of vulnerable Americans.
A Legacy of Public Service
A Houston native, Turner previously served eight years as mayor and 17 years in the Texas state legislature before his election to Congress in 2024.
In November 2022, Turner disclosed that he had undergone surgery and radiation therapy for bone cancer in his jaw.
“The entire House Democratic Caucus family is praying for the Turner family and staff, as well as the City of Houston,” Jeffries said. “May he forever rest in power.”
