Democratic Congressman Sylvester Turner, a longtime Texas political figure, passed away at age 70 last night in his Washington, D.C., office. His sudden death came shortly after attending President Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress.
According to reports circulating on social media, Turner’s final words to his constituents were: “Don’t mess with Medicaid.”
My message to the current administration for tonight’s State of the Union: “Don’t mess with Medicaid.”
— U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner (@repsturner) March 5, 2025
I am proud to have Angela Hernandez here from our Congressional district as my guest. She is representing and advocating for her daughter Baislee Garcia who has a rare genetic… pic.twitter.com/n9p49IXGHa
Turner, who was elected to Congress last November, had a storied career in Texas politics. Before his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, he served as Houston’s mayor from 2016 to 2024. His tenure was marked by efforts to expand infrastructure, improve disaster response and advocate for health care access.
Prior to his mayoral leadership, Turner spent over 25 years in the Texas House of Representatives, where he represented District 139. He was known for his passionate advocacy on issues such as education, affordable housing and health care.
Turner’s road to the mayor’s office was not without setbacks. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor twice before securing a victory in 2015, a win that propelled him to national recognition.
His congressional election last year followed the passing of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, whom he succeeded in office. Jackson Lee, a longtime Houston political force, passed away in 2024, leaving behind a district with deep Democratic roots.
What Comes Next?
With Turner’s unexpected passing, political observers are already speculating on who will fill his congressional seat. His district, a historically blue stronghold, will likely see a highly contested special election in the coming months.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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