Sylvester Turner was everything Houston and Texas needed when he first came on the political scene as a State Representative during the 1980s.
Turner later became Houston’s Mayor and, just this year, took office as the 18th District Congressman.
A packed church … more than 20 members of Congress — both Democrats and Republicans are paying respect today for former Mayor @SylvesterTurner — @hakeemjeffries speaking pic.twitter.com/xp16tXXpjk
— Katie Mehnert (@katiemehnert) March 15, 2025
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But no matter what title Turner carried, he consistently cared only about being the voice of the people in the Houston community. Turner fought hard for the people and his constituents until the end when he passed away on March 5 in Washington, D.C. after being present for Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech.
Turner will long be remembered for his leadership and stoicism through triumphs and difficult times, such as helping bring major sports events to Houston, like the NCAA Men’s Final Four along with bringing in business dollars and new construction and standing strong after the destruction of Hurricane Harvey and the devastating spread of COVID-19. Turner will also long be remembered for the love and respect he showed his beloved Acres Homes community, where he was known as Sly.
Some are asking whether I will attend the State of the Union.
This speech by the President is generally given every year in the people’s house-House of Representatives.
It’s not the President’s House, but the people’s house.
For the people of #TX18, we will be there. st…
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) March 4, 2025
As a result, Turner was held in high regard by everyone from political adversaries to his political opponents, from the clergy in the community to the common man.
Turner, who graduated from Klein High School, went from the University of Houston to Harvard Law School graduate to a decorated lawyer before entering the political arena.
Turner was laid to rest this past weekend.
In our latest episode of the Defender Roundtable, we discuss Turner’s legacy, his accomplishments and who might fill his considerable shoes not just in Congress but in the community where his accessibility was unrivaled. Special guest, Defender CEO and Publisher Sonny Messiah Jiles, joins the panel this week to discuss Turner, with whom she shared a special relationship and partnership.
CLICK on the video to hear our thoughts, and then please SHARE yours with us on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
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