Former Houston Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner Passes Away at 70
The Houston City Council remained in recess until 10 a.m. to pay tribute to the dedicated public servant.
Former Houston mayor and current U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) has passed away at the age of 70, as confirmed by city officials, who expressed their sorrow over his loss.
Whitmire referred to Turner as a “remarkable public servant” who emerged from modest beginnings to make a positive impact on millions.
“He rose from poverty yet never forgot his roots,” Whitmire remarked. “This is a tremendous loss for the city and a personal blow to me. I urge Houstonians to celebrate his legacy.”
The Houston City Council remained in recess until 10 a.m. in memory of Turner, whose cause of death has not been disclosed.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed his condolences on social media following Turner’s death.
Numerous tributes emerged on social media.
Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb expressed he was “devastated” by the news of Turner’s passing.
Among Turner’s significant achievements as mayor were facilitating a bipartisan initiative to address Houston’s escalating pension debt and actively engaging in police reform efforts.
During a press conference at City Hall in Houston on March 5, Whitmire honored Turner as an “exceptional public leader” whose absence will be profoundly felt.
“Experience is invaluable, folks,” Whitmire remarked. “No one can step into Sylvester’s role and fulfill his responsibilities because he is truly one of a kind.”
“I have grown as a speaker because of Sylvester,” Whitmire added. “You can’t fully grasp what it’s like to be in an African American church on Sunday morning, where everyone is reveling in the service, and then have to follow Sylvester Turner as he speaks.”
“He has the ability to elevate the quality of public service in everyone.”
