Sylvester Turner

Sylvester Turner, the former Houston mayor and U.S. congressman, has died at the age of 70. His death comes just months after he assumed office as the U.S. Representative for Texas' 18th Congressional District in January 2025.

Early Life and Education

Born on 27 September 1954 in Houston, Texas, Turner was the sixth of nine children. He was raised in the Acres Homes neighbourhood by his father, a commercial painter, and his mother, a maid at the Rice Hotel. Despite the family's financial struggles, Turner recalled never feeling poor as a child, attributing this to the strong support system and values instilled by his parents.

He excelled academically, becoming senior class president and valedictorian at Klein High School. Turner went on to study political science at the University of Houston, where he was Speaker of the Student Senate. He later earned a law degree from Harvard Law School, where he was a finalist in the prestigious Ames Moot Court Competition.

Legal and Political Career

Turner began his legal career at Fulbright & Jaworski before co-founding the law firm Barnes & Turner in 1983, according to his official congressional biography. His political career started in 1988 when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He held his seat for 27 years, serving in key legislative roles, including Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and Speaker Pro Tempore.

His first bid for Houston mayor in 1991 ended in controversy after an investigative report alleged his involvement in an insurance fraud scheme. Though he successfully sued for defamation, the scandal derailed his campaign. Turner ran unsuccessfully again in 2003 but finally won the mayoral race in 2015, securing re-election in 2019.

As mayor, Turner navigated Houston through multiple crises, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. He introduced major initiatives such as pension reform, the One Safe Houston crime reduction programme, and the Complete Communities project to revitalise underserved areas. His leadership extended beyond the city, with roles as Chair of the African American Mayors Association and U.S. Climate Mayors.

Potholes, Pensions, and Politics

Turner's tenure as Houston mayor was marked by a hands-on approach to governance, as detailed in Harvard Magazine. Shortly after assuming office, he took to the streets himself to oversee pothole repairs, an issue that had long plagued Houston's roads. He aimed to restore public confidence by focusing on tangible improvements, such as fixing nearly 10,500 potholes in his first two months in office.

Despite facing a budget deficit and billions in pension liabilities, Turner pushed for fiscal reforms, urging shared sacrifices to stabilise the city's finances. He believed that governance should be transformative rather than incremental, advocating for regional transportation improvements over continued motorway expansion. His leadership reflected his commitment to economic and racial inclusivity, with efforts to balance the city's budget while maintaining essential public services.

Congressional Tenure and Death

After serving two terms as mayor, Turner returned to national politics, winning the election for Texas' 18th Congressional District in November 2024 following the death of Sheila Jackson Lee, per Houston Public Media. He assumed office in January 2025 but passed away on 4 March 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Net Worth and Legacy

Turner's net worth at the time of his passing is estimated to be around £2.3 million ($3 million), accumulated through his legal practice, political career, and investments. His tenure as Houston's mayor saw efforts to tackle homelessness, public safety, and climate action. While some criticised his handling of city finances, his supporters hailed him as a transformative leader who advocated for social justice and economic development.

Personal Life

Turner was previously married to Cheryl Turner, with whom he had a daughter, Ashley Page Turner. He was a devoted member of The Church Without Walls and a regular attendee of public service events.

In 2022, Turner revealed he had been diagnosed with bone cancer, undergoing surgery and radiation treatment. Despite health concerns, he continued his political career until his sudden passing in 2025.

His death marks the end of a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, leaving behind a legacy of service, resilience, and leadership in Houston and beyond.

Writer's pick