Texas Congressman Sylvester Turner Dies After Attending Donald Trump’s Address to Congress in Washington D.CTexas Congressman Sylvester Turner Dies After Attending Donald Trump’s Address to Congress in Washington D.C

The political world is in shock after the unexpected passing of Texas Representative Sylvester Turner.

The 70-year-old lawmaker and former mayor of Houston died shortly after attending Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress.

While Turner’s office has yet to confirm the cause of death, colleagues and news outlets are reporting that Turner had been fighting cancer in his jaw since before being elected in November 2024.

Sylvester Turner’s Last Moments at the Capitol

Turner was seen at the Capitol before the address, as captured in videos shared on his social media.

In the final moments leading up to his death, Turner had posted messages expressing his strong opposition to proposed Medicaid cuts, alongside a video featuring a constituent, Angela Hernandez.

Hernandez had joined Turner at the event to advocate for her daughter, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder.

In one post, Turner made it clear that any cuts to Medicaid would be seen as a direct attack on families like Hernandez’s, which he could not support.

A Life of Dedication to Public Service

Turner’s tragic passing comes shortly after winning the seat vacated by the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who, like Turner, died while serving in office.

Turner had served as Houston’s mayor from 2016 until 2024, after which he transitioned into his congressional role.

A proud graduate of both the University of Houston and Harvard Law, Turner was known for his dedication to the people of Houston.

Condolences and Tributes From Fellow Lawmakers

Following news of his passing, fellow lawmakers took to social media to honor Turner’s memory.

Texas Republican Rep. Brandon Weber, who worked with Turner in Congress, expressed his deep sadness.

“We served together in the Texas House, and I had the honor of working alongside him in Congress,” he wrote.

“He was a devoted public servant who cared deeply for Houstonians.”

Similarly, Alabama Democrat Rep. Terri Sewell shared her condolences, highlighting Turner’s remarkable legacy.

“He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service as Mayor of Houston and the Representative for Texas’ 18th Congressional District,” Sewell wrote.

Turner’s death has left a void in Texas politics, and the loss is felt deeply by those who worked closely with him.

His family, friends, and constituents are in the thoughts of many as they mourn the passing of a dedicated public servant.