Sylvester Turner was a Houstonian through and through. He grew up in Acres Homes, one of nine children in a crowded two-bedroom house. His mom worked as a maid at the Rice Hotel, and his dad worked as a commercial painter until he died from cancer when Turner was a teenager. While his parents didn’t graduate from high school, Turner would become valedictorian at Klein High School and graduate from the University of Houston and later Harvard Law School.
Turner was a fixture in Houston politics long before he was elected mayor in 2016. He served in the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years. As mayor, he advocated for under-served communities, creating a program called Complete Communities. He did not want Houston to become a tale of two cities, divided into what he called the “haves” and “have-nots.” As mayor, he also led Houston through Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19. Even after he left City Hall, he still wanted to serve the public. Turner decided to run for Sheila Jackson Lee’s seat after she died last year, and was elected to represent the 18th Congressional District in November. Turner was a frequent face at Houston community events, like the downtown rodeo parade this past weekend. And, it wasn’t a true H-town celebration if you didn’t see Turner doing the Wobble.
Here’s how Houstonians are reacting to the news:
Mayor John Whitmire described Sylvester’s death as a personal loss: “We've been together in good times and bad times. He asked me to speak at his mother's funeral. I was there when Ashley was born. He was there when Whitney and Sarah were born. We had tremendous influence on each other as we were young elected officials. He and I both loved Houston, we loved Texas and this great country. It is a personal loss for me.”
Harris County Lina Hidalgo was in shock: “Our community has lost an irreplaceable leader. I am devastated and shocked by the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner, who was my governing partner and friend.”
Governor Greg. Abbott remembered Turner as “a man of character”: “From his time as State Representative, to Mayor of Houston, and finally representing Texas' 18th Congressional District, Congressman Turner leaves behind a legacy of service to our great state.”
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis thanked Turner for his service:“We the People are all better off because you chose to dedicate yourself to a life of public service. You also advanced the continuous struggle to make this nation as good as its promise of freedom and justice for all.”
