HOUSTON — Reactions to the unexpected death of Congressman Sylvester Turner are pouring in from political leaders, Houston organizations and longtime friends. Turner dedicated his life to public service while also serving as Houston’s mayor and state representative.
Turner’s family said he was rushed to the hospital in Washington, D.C. Tuesday night and later released. He died early Wednesday from “enduring health complications,” they said in a statement.
During his final term as mayor, Turner quietly battled osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. He later told KHOU 11’s Len Cannon that even his staff didn’t know about the cancer diagnosis and six weeks of radiation treatments until later.
The Turner family:
“It is with inexpressible sadness that we, the family of Congressman Sylvester Turner, representative for the 18th congressional district of Texas, acknowledge his unexpected passing. While attending the State of The Union Address in Washington, D.C. last evening, Congressman Turner was taken to the hospital and was later released. On Wednesday morning, March 5th , at approximately 5:45 a.m., he died at his home from enduring health complications. The Turner family is requesting fervent prayers from all who knew and loved him. We also request the public’s respect for our family’s privacy as we process this difficult reality. Official communication will come from his staff at the appropriate time. Congressman Turner was the consummate public servant. But to us, he was our beloved father, grandfather, sibling and relative. Thank you for your prayers. More information regarding services will be forthcoming.”
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Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia:
“I am devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Congressman Sylvester Turner. He was a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and a true champion for the people of Houston.
“He was a native son of Houston, born and raised in Acres Home, in the same year as the Brown vs. Board of Education decision, to a soft-spoken father and a mother who picked cotton. He never forgot where he came from, which fueled his commitment to change the world. I saw this first hand from the moment I met him in the 1980s and supported him throughout his political career.”For 27 years, my friend was a fixture in the Texas House of Representatives, a man of strong moral character who always led by example. While serving together in the Texas Legislature, I witnessed how he worked relentlessly to deliver for his constituents. As Mayor of Houston, he channeled a fearlessness and grit that allowed him to guide our city through an unprecedented seven federally declared natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. He leaves a lasting legacy of uplifting neighborhoods that were often overlooked. We are all better for his work to create a fairer, more equitable Houston.
“When he decided to bring his service to Washington, he brought with him the hopes and needs of the historic 18th Congressional District of Texas. He was my partner in good trouble, always ready to fight fiercely for those who needed him the most. My heart is with his family and all who knew and loved him. Houston has lost a giant, but his impact will never fade. If there is one thing he loved more than the City of Houston, it was his daughter Ashley and his grandson Jamison. God has gained a good man in his kingdom, from Acres Home to the Promised Land. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”
RELATED: Houston’s resilient leader | A timeline of Sylvester Turner’s legacy
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher:
“I join my fellow Houstonians, my colleagues in Congress, and people across our country in mourning the sudden loss of my friend and colleague, Congressman Sylvester Turner. I am heartbroken and devasted by the loss of this exceptional Houstonian and exceptional human being. He personified what it means to be a Houstonian—to believe in possibility, to work for it, and to share it with others. In his presence you could always feel the love for the city that we call home and for all the people who live here. We were lucky to have his service to our community for decades—including as a state representative, as Mayor, and as a member of Congress—as we were lucky to have his example to learn from and to inspire us. My heart goes out to his beloved family, his devoted staff, and all those who are grieving today.”
U.S. Senator John Cornyn:
“Sandy and I are saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, Representative Sylvester Turner. Congressman Turner was a statesman who dedicated his life and career to serving the people of Texas, and although we had ideological differences, I was honored to work alongside him throughout his decades of public service on things like supporting law enforcement and survivors of abuse. I encourage Texans to join Sandy and me in praying for the entire Turner family during this time.”
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz:
“Heidi and I are praying for the family and loved ones of Sylvester Turner. He faithfully served my hometown and dedicated his life to public service. May God bless and comfort his loved ones during this time.”
It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Sylvester Turner: a tireless champion for the City of Houston.It has been my privilege to know Sylvester for years and witness his dedicated service for Houston. He was a great Mayor and all of us in the Congress were… pic.twitter.com/WrO7oob4xu
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) March 5, 2025
Congressman Wesley Hunt:
“Emily and I are heartbroken by the passing of Former Houston Mayor and United States Congressman Sylvester Turner. His life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering service. Rising from humble beginnings, he never lost sight of where he came from or the people he served. His leadership shaped the city of Houston and touched the lives of millions. His passing is not just a loss for our city but a deeply personal one for me. Just last night, I had the privilege of speaking with him before the President’s address—never imagining it would be our last conversation. Our hearts go out to the Turner family and all of Houston as we grieve the loss of a man who gave everything to his community. May his legacy continue to inspire us all.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott:
“Cecilia and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner. Congressman Turner was a man of character who served his fellow Texans for more than 36 years. From his time as State Representative, to Mayor of Houston, and finally representing Texas’ 18th Congressional District, Congressman Turner leaves behind a legacy of service to our great state. Congressman Turner will be missed, and our prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this time of grief.”
Gov. Abbott also ordered flags flown at half-staff in honor of Turner’s life of public service.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick:
“This morning, Jan and I were saddened to hear the news of Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s passing. Please join us in prayer for Congressman Turner’s family, friends, and the entire city of Houston.”
Mayor John Whitmire:
“I was saddened to learn of the death of Congressman and former Mayor Sylvester Turner. My condolences go out to his daughter, Ashley, and his entire family during this difficult time. I ask Houstonians to keep Rep. Turner’s family in your thoughts and prayers. The flags on City of Houston buildings have been lowered to half-staff, and City Hall will be illuminated tonight in red, white, and blue in his honor. Later, I will announce how the city plans to celebrate Congressman Turner’s remarkable life of public service.”Sylvester and I shared a history that went beyond politics. We served together in the Texas Legislature, and he was my state representative for 24 years. We were together in good times and bad times. Over the years, we attended countless community meetings, church services, and other events. No one has introduced me at public events more than Turner. He asked me to speak at his mother’s funeral, and I was there when Ashley was born, just as he was there when my daughters, Whitney and Sarah, were born.”This past Saturday, we were both at the Rodeo Houston parade and, two weeks ago, at a church in Acres Homes, where we both spoke and took a picture with the pastor’s family. That’s who he was—always present, always connected to the community he loved.”Sylvester Turner was the proud son of Acres Home and graduated from Klein High School, the University of Houston, and Harvard Law. He rose from humble beginnings to meet with presidents, kings, and queens, yet he never forgot where he came from.”We didn’t always agree politically, but we never took things personally. I’ve lost a friend, and our community has lost a true public servant. There will never be another Sylvester Turner. He was a dedicated public servant until the end.”I hope that, in his memory, we all come together and remember that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.”
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo:
Please see the statement from County Judge Lina Hidalgo. pic.twitter.com/GuZ515DqEZ
— Office of Judge Lina Hidalgo (@HarrisCoJudge) March 5, 2025
Turner’s congressional staff:
Statement from the Office of Congressman Sylvester Turner on His Passing pic.twitter.com/rWnkDeMbZq
— U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner (@repsturner) March 5, 2025
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis:
“My sincere condolences to Ashley and the Turner family. Houston mourns the loss of our servant leader, proud native son, dedicated father and dear friend. Thank you, Sylvester Turner for all you gave of yourself to serve Houston, Texas, and this nation. We the People are all better off because you chose to dedicate yourself to a life of public service. You also advanced the continuous struggle to make this nation as good as its promise of freedom and justice for all.”
RodeoHouston:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of U.S. Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. His leadership, dedication and service to the Houston community will leave a lasting impact. Turner was an ardent supporter and friend of the Rodeo. His support and commitment to… pic.twitter.com/Zmwtyh4Akm
— RODEOHOUSTON (@RODEOHOUSTON) March 5, 2025
Houston sports teams:
The Houston Astros join the rest of the Houston Community and beyond in mourning the passing of Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. pic.twitter.com/EMvXE0U7vo
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 5, 2025
We are saddened by the passing of former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. His dedication to our city and imprint on our community will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences are with Congressman Turner’s family, friends and all who were impacted by his leadership. pic.twitter.com/eqU3FdIOuL
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) March 5, 2025
We join the Houston community in mourning the passing of Congressman and former Mayor, Sylvester Turner. An advocate for Houston, Congressman Turner was committed to making our city a better place for all. His presence at Rockets community events and games was always a reminder… pic.twitter.com/h8IzZdcHZr
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 5, 2025
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta:
“We join the city of Houston in mourning the untimely passing of Congressman and former Mayor, Sylvester Turner. A passionate advocate for Houston, Congressman Turner was committed to making our city a better place for all. He never lost sight of his Houston roots and remained a staunch supporter of his alma mater University of Houston throughout his career. His presence at Rockets community events and games was always a reminder of his unwavering support for our city and its people. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
UH President Renu Khator:
“UH mourns the passing of SylvesterTurner—Congressman, Former Mayor and a proud UH alum… his legacy will live through those whose lives are better because of his leadership.”
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
“Sylvester Turner carried Houston in his DNA with grit, courageous optimism, and the heart of a fighter. Today, Houston mourns the passing of a cherished native son who showed all of us in public service how to build a legacy of unity and shared prosperity that will endure as long as we follow Sylvester’s commitment to serving all the people all the time with all our heart. Rest in peace, my good friend.”
Former Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña:
Saddened by the passing of my friend and former boss @SylvesterTurner. My sincere condolences to his daughter and grandson 🙏🏽Rest in peace, Mr. Mayor! pic.twitter.com/WQpyvi8dD0
— Samuel Peña (@ChiefSamPena) March 5, 2025
Texas Democratic Party:
“Today the Texas Democratic Party mourns the loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner, who served Texans in public life for more than 35 years as a member of the state legislature, mayor of Houston, and U.S. Representative.”
The Texas Democratic Party Black Caucus joins Harris County in mourning the passing of Congressman and Former Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner, who passed away over night.A longer statement is forthcoming. pic.twitter.com/x5OucASp1t
— Texas Democratic Party Black Caucus (@txblackdems) March 5, 2025
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump:
“Rest in Power, Rep. Sylvester Turner. A lifelong fighter for the people of TX, he carried the torch from the state Legislature to Houston mayor &, finally, to Congress, succeeding the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. His legacy of service won’t be forgotten.”