WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Texas, died suddenly on Wednesday at 70, just two months into his first term in Congress. Turner, who had served as mayor of Houston, replaced the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee to represent Texas’s 18th Congressional District.

Turner witnessed President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress on Tuesday evening. After the event, he suffered a medical emergency inside a Capitol tunnel and was taken to a Washington, D.C., hospital, where he later died. The cause of death is not reported, but Turner had previously struggled with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer of the jaw, which was diagnosed in 2022.

Turner was born and raised in Houston, and he devoted his life to public service. He served for 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives before being elected Houston mayor in 2015 and serving until 2024. Throughout his time as mayor, Turner led the city through unprecedented challenges, such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elected to Congress in November 2024, Turner sought to continue his work on healthcare and social services. In his last public statement, he spoke out against planned Medicaid reductions, showing his dedication to at-risk populations.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced Turner’s death at a City Council meeting, directing flags to be flown at half-staff. “Sylvester was a tireless advocate for our city and its people,” Whitmire said.

Condolences were received from political leaders on all sides. Texas Governor Greg Abbott was saddened by the news, recognizing Turner’s 36 years of service. U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries too was grieving, noting Turner’s commitment to Houston.

Turner’s passing shifts the balance of power in the House of Representatives to Republicans, who will have a narrow majority with 218 seats to the Democrats’ 214 and three vacancies. A special election will be held to replace the empty seat in Texas’s 18th Congressional District.

Turner is survived by his daughter, Ashley, and grandson. Arrangements for his funeral are pending, with details to be released by his family.