Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-TX) died suddenly just weeks after taking office, the city of Houston confirmed Wednesday morning.
Turner, 70, won a seat in November and replaced the late Senator Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX). He was appointed in January and is said to have attended President Donald Trump's speech on Tuesday night. Before the speech, he Posted Warnings against Medicaid reductions on his X platform.
According to CBS News, Quote Turner, the mayor of Houston, began to feel “unwell” Tuesday night. The cause of his untimely death is unknown publicly.
“This morning @Houmayor John Whitmire announced the death of former mayor, Rep. Sylvester Turner,” the city of Houston announced.
“An incredible civil servant who has influenced millions of people,” Whitmire said. “He rose from poverty, but he never forgot where he came from. It was a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss for me. I ask the Houstonians to celebrate his life.”
“They were together recently at church services,” the update continued. “Houston City Council will be closed until 10am today.”
Others offered kind words to commemorate Turner.
“Elizabeth and I are saddened to hear the news that Rep. Sylvester Turner has passed away,” Texas House chairman Dustin Burrows said in a statement.
“From the halls of council to the Houston City Hall and, more recently, our country's Capitol, his decades of public service lies behind the legacy of leadership and advocacy of the people of Houston. Our pathetic dolphins and prayers go out to his family, friends and the entire Houston community during this difficult time. May he rest in peace,” he joined others.
This story is developing.
