The d-mars.com team, Houston and political communities are mourning the loss of former Houston mayor, Congressman Sylvester Turner, who filled the seat of late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s District 18.
Turner’s death was announced by Mayor John Whitmire Wednesday morning.
“A remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people,” Whitmire stated during a meeting with Houston City Council. “He rose from poverty but never forgot where he came from. It is a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss for me. I ask Houstonians to celebrate his life.”
Elected as the city’s 62nd mayor in 2015, Turner served in the role for two terms, having been re-elected in 2019. After ending his tenure in January 2024, he ran to fill the 18th congressional district seat following Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s passing from pancreatic cancer. He served on the House Homeland Security and Science, Space and Technology committees.
Congressman Turner was an avid supporter of Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr. and the d-mars.com team. He attended several events hosted by d-mars.com, including the 2025 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards Gala. In an Instagram post, he described the event as, “an incredible celebration of excellence, leadership, and achievement.”
A Notable Legacy
Congressman Turner was born on Sept. 27, 1954. He graduated as valedictorian from Klein High School in 1973, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Houston in 1977, and obtained a juris doctor from Harvard Law School in 1980. In 1983, he co-founded the law firm Barnes & Turner, where he specialized in corporate and commercial law. His political career began in 1988 when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives for District 193, a position he held for 27 years. During his tenure, he served 21 years on the House Appropriations Committee and six years as speaker pro tempore.
During his time as mayor, Turner, a proud Acres Home native, spearheaded a plethora of projects and tasks to make the City of Houston what it is today.
He challenged businesses and potential business leaders to establish Houston as the next national frontier for computer-based tech innovation by creating a fertile environment for start-up companies. Soon after the mayor issued his challenge, an “ecosystem” for the tech industry began to flourish with plans for a bio-research campus at the Texas Medical Center, the designation of the former Midtown Sears building as an innovation hub, Verizon’s delivery of 5g service to commercial customers in Houston before doing so in any other city, and much more. Taking note, the Houston Business Journal called this startling growth sector “Silicon Bayou.”
He led the city through significant challenges, including seven federally declared natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Turner also led Houston’s successful bid to host the World Petroleum Conference in 2020.
Congressman Turner created the Hire Houston Youth program, matching Houstonians aged 16-24 with summer jobs in the private, non-profit and government sectors and positioning them as talented full-time employees ready to take their place in the future Houston economy. The number of HHY jobs for 2019 was a record-high of 10,000, up from 450 in its first year.
In connection with economic development as well as infrastructure and cultural development, Turner created Complete Communities, an award-winning initiative combining private and non-profit investments with funding from city and county government to improve conditions in underserved neighborhoods. The initial pilot programs, based on community input, were in Acres Homes, Gulfton, near the northside, Second Ward and Third Ward.
Turner forged the city’s Climate Action Plan and preserved the city’s number one standing in the U.S. for municipal government use of renewable and/or cleaner energy sources such as solar and wind power and natural gas.
Under his mayoral leadership, Turner helped reduce the city’s homeless population, working with non-profit coalitions and the Houston Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team. The homeless population shrunk by more than half since 2011.
Throughout his career, Congressman Turner was known for his bipartisan leadership. He showed an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all Houstonians.
“Congressman Turner is survived by his loving family, devoted staff and numerous friends who cherished his wisdom, humor, and steadfast dedication to public service,” a statement released by his office stated. “The family is asking for privacy during this difficult time.”
Details about his memorial services will be announced soon.
