Texas Democrat Sylvester Turner dies
Turner, 70, had revealed in 2022 he had undergone treatment for bone cancer, though he had declared himself “cancer free.”
Moderated by Tomas Kauer 
Rep. Sylvester Turner has died, according to fellow House Democrats and his office.
The first-term Texas Democrat had been elected in 2024 to succeed the late Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died in office last year.
Democrats announced his death to their colleagues in a closed-door leadership meeting Wednesday morning, according to three people familiar with the situation.
And in a statement released later Wednesday, his office announced his death "with profound sadness."
"Congressman Turner is survived by his loving family, devoted staff and numerous friends who cherished his wisdom, humor and steadfast dedication to public service," his office said.
Other Democrats publicly expressed condolences on X, with Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) writing: “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service as Mayor of Houston and the Representative for Texas’ 18th Congressional District. May he Rest in Peace.”
A spokesperson for Turner’s congressional office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Under Texas law, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is in charge of calling a special election, although there is no deadline for doing so. If Abbott calls the special election, all candidates would be listed on the primary ballot, and the top two would go to a runoff if no one receives more than 50 percent of the vote.
Turner, 70, had revealed in 2022 he had undergone treatment for bone cancer, though he had declared himself “cancer free.”
Andrew Howard contributed to this report.
