Sylvester Turner
Congressman, 62nd Mayor of Houston, and lifelong Houstonian
IMAGINE…The Impossible for Every Child: Performing Arts Center offers their deepest condolences for the loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner.
Who was Congressman Sylvester Turner?
Congressman Sylvester Turner, a lifelong Houstonian! He was born and raised in Houston’s Acres Homes neighborhood.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Houston before obtaining a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.
As a Democrat, Congressman Turner served 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 139.
In 2015, he was elected the 62nd Mayor of Houston and was re-elected in 2019. He served in that role until 2024.
As Mayor of Houston, he was an Outstanding advocate for the advancement of women and girls.
Congressman Turner most recently represented Texas’ 18th Congressional District, which was a historically significant seat once held by Civil Rights icons such as Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland, Craig Washington and Sheila Jackson Lee.
Congressman Sylvester Turner representing the 18th Congressional District January 3, 2025 - March 5, 2025 Mayor Sylvester Turner representing the 62nd Mayor of Houston, Texas Jan. 2, 2016 - Jan. 1, 2024 Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Sylvester Turner Mary Johnson - IMAGINE… The Impossible for Every Child: and Sylvester Turner Congressman Sylvester Turner September 27, 1954 - March 5, 2025 In 1983, Sylvester Turner co-founded the law firm Barnes & Turner, specializing in corporate and commercial law.
Throughout his career, he was known for his bipartisan leadership, dedication to his constituents, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all Houstonians.
Nationally, Sylvester Turner served as Chair of the African American Mayors Association and as a Trustee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, further cementing his role as a national leader.
Sylvester Turner is a proud father of one daughter and grandfather of one grandson.