By Okon Ekpenyong

Houston, Texas mourned the loss of its former Mayor, Congressman Sylvester Turner, who passed away on March 5, 2025, just hours after attending President Donald Trump’s presidential address to Congress. Turner was 70 years old.

In 2024, following the death of long-term congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who represented Texas Congressional District 18, Turner retired to run for the vacant seat in Congress and took the oath this past January.

The New Americans Magazine had the opportunity to interview Turner while serving as Mayor in August 2022 at the unveiling of the newly renovated Hobart Taylor Park in Houston. When Columbus hosted the 91st US Conference of Mayors in 2023, Mayor Turner was there, and we had a chance to catch up with him. The mayor had to cancel the 33rd annual Christmas tree lighting at the Wortham Theater Center on November 23, 2023, but we spoke with the mayor’s chief of staff. Additionally, when the city and the mayor organized the inaugural Houston Africa Energy Summit in September 2022, it attracted the President of Niger, the CEO of Vaalco Energy, and other energy industry leaders.

Mayor Andrew Ginther, who leads the city of Columbus and is the President of the United States Mayor of Conference, released a statement on Turner’s passing.: “Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of our dear friend and former colleague, Sylvester Turner. He was a giant among us, who time and again was the Conference’s guiding light.”

Throughout the years, the former Mayor and Congressman worked with community organizations to support newly arrived and established refugees and immigrants in finding resources to help them thrive in their new adopted home in Houston. It’s not surprising that current Mayor John Whitmire’s remark that the “community has lost a true public servant” resonates deeply.

Mayor John Whitmire also expresses his condolences to Turner’s family, particularly his daughter Ashley. Whitmire also said. “I ask Houstonians to keep Rep. Turner’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Turner had a distinguished career in public service, serving as the 62nd mayor of Houston from 2016 to 2024 and as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1989 to 2016. He was also elected as the US representative for Texas’s 18th congressional district in January 2025.

Mayor Whitmire remembered Turner as a dedicated public servant who never forgot his humble beginnings. “Sylvester Turner was the proud son of Acres Home and graduated from Klein High School, the University of Houston, and Harvard Law,” Whitmire said. “He rose from humble beginnings to meet with presidents, kings, and queens, yet he never forgot where he came from,” the mayor said. Whitmire also shared fond memories of his time with Turner, highlighting their long history of working together in the Texas Legislature.

“We didn’t always agree politically, but we never took things personally,” Whitmire said. “I’ve lost a friend, and our community has lost a true public servant. There will never be another Sylvester Turner.”

In honor of Turner’s remarkable life and service, the flags on the City of Houston buildings have been lowered to half-staff, and City Hall will be illuminated in red, white, and blue. A special election will fill Turner’s vacant seat in the US House of Representatives.

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