HOUSTON – The city of Houston is mourning the loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner, a dedicated leader who spent decades shaping the community he called home.
Turner, who was born and raised in Houston, and served 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives before leading the city as mayor for two terms. Most recently, he took over Texas’ 18th Congressional District seat, following in the footsteps of prominent leaders like Barbara Jordan and Sheila Jackson Lee.
Erica Lee Carter, Sheila Jackson Lee’s daughter, held the Congressional seat to complete her late mother’s term. She reflected on Turner’s legacy, calling him a leader who was deeply connected to the people he served.
“He understood legislation, policy… but he was also someone who could relate to the people,” Carter said. “He grew up in the heart of Acres Homes, one of nine children, and he truly embodied the journey from poverty to promise.”
A lifetime of service to Houston
Turner and Lee shared a friendship that spanned decades, rooted in their love for Houston and their commitment to public service. Carter recalled how they met as young attorneys.
“Some of my childhood memories are following my mom on the campaign trail—and there he was,” she said. “He was at my wedding. He was at my child’s christening. He was part of our family.”
Turner’s leadership was tested during Hurricane Harvey restoration and the COVID-19 pandemic, which Carter called one of his greatest challenges.
“There was no playbook,” she said. “It was economic, it was health, it was education—so much at one time. But he met that challenge and overcame it.”
Honoring his legacy
As Houston reflects on Turner’s impact, Carter hopes people remember him not just for his policies, but for his energy, joy, and dedication to the city.
“I hope they remember his joy. I hope they remember his passion. And most of all, I hope they remember that he loved Houston with all his heart.”
Carter confirmed that Turner’s seat will be filled through a special election, which is required for vacancies between regular election cycles. She said she does not yet have details on who may run for the position.
She says her hope is that Turner’s legacy of leadership, service, and resilience will live on in the city he served so faithfully.
