Shock, dismay, and heartbreak are some of the ways Houston area leaders and Texas politicians from both sides of the aisle are reacting to the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner, former mayor of Houston.

Sylvester Turner, a Democratic congressman and former mayor of Houston, has died at the age of 70. Turner died peacefully Wednesday, according to a statement from his congressional office. No cause of death was provided.

Washington—Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas has died, weeks after taking office. He was 70 years old. Turner also served as Houston's mayor from 2016 until 2024. The city of Houston confirmed his death and Mayor John Whitmire released a statement calling Turner a "remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people.