Sylvester Turner, a longtime congressman and former mayor of Houston, has passed away at the age of 70. Turner served as the mayor of Houston from 2016 until his death, and was known for his dedication to public service and his tireless efforts to improve the city he loved.
Turner was born and raised in Houston, and began his career in public service as a legislative aide to the late state Representative Mickey Leland. He went on to serve in the Texas House of Representatives for over 25 years, where he became known for his work on education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform.
In 2016, Turner was elected as the mayor of Houston, becoming the second African American to hold the position. During his time in office, Turner focused on addressing the city’s infrastructure needs, improving public safety, and promoting economic development. He also led the city through several natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Turner was a beloved figure in Houston, known for his charisma, wit, and passion for serving the people of his city. He was a tireless advocate for the less fortunate, and worked to ensure that all Houstonians had access to the resources and opportunities they needed to thrive.
In addition to his work as mayor, Turner was also a respected member of Congress, serving on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He was known for his bipartisan approach to governance, and was praised by colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his commitment to finding common ground on important issues.
Turner’s passing has left a void in the city of Houston, as well as in the halls of Congress. He will be remembered for his dedication to public service, his passion for his community, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
