U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, 70, died on Tuesday evening, March 4.
Turner, a Houston Democrat, was in his first congressional term, replacing Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died last year.
Before serving in Congress, Turner served three terms as mayor of Houston and was in the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, who served alongside Turner in the Texas House for several terms, released the following statement:
“Today, we mourn the loss of a lifelong public servant, a towering figure in Texas politics, and a good friend of mine — Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
“Congressman Turner served with great distinction for more than 25 years in the Texas House of Representatives, where I had the privilege of serving alongside him for six years. He then led the city of Houston as mayor for eight years before most recently representing the people of Texas in Congress.
“Throughout his career, Turner was a relentless advocate for the people he served. His remarkable legacy leaves an indelible mark on the great state of Texas.
“I am truly heartbroken by his passing, and my prayers are with his family during this time.”
— David Taffet
