Washington, D.C. — March 5, 2025 — The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) mourns the loss of Texas Congressman Sylvester Turner. The newly elected congressman of Texas’ 18th Congressional District served 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives and eight years as Houston’s mayor (2016-2024) before coming out of retirement to fill the congressional seat of the late Sheila Jackson Lee in 2025.
While serving in state legislature from 1989 until 2016, Turner chaired the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and the Greater Houston Area Legislative Delegation. He was also a member of NBCSL and was a key contributor to the success NBCSL’s 38th Annual Legislative Conference in Dallas in 2014 during which he received the State Caucus Chair Award. As a respected and revered NBCSL member, Turner offered his legislative expertise to the organization and his fellow Black legislators representing districts across the country.
His remarkable nearly four-decade tenure of serving Houstonians includes efforts supporting LGBTQIA rights and public education, fighting for consumer protections and health care, and advocating for abortion rights, criminal justice and an end to chronic homelessness.
Turner’s passing marks a tremendous loss to Texas and the country; he served with distinction and was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to public service and advocacy. NBCSL honors Congressman Turner for his exceptional service and his relentless pursuit of justice. We carry forward his vision and passion in our efforts to create a more just and equitable society.
About NBCSL
The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is the nation’s largest and most influential organization of African American state legislators. Representing over 700 members nationwide, NBCSL works to advance policies that address critical issues such as education, health care, criminal justice reform, and economic empowerment, serving as an unwavering voice for Black communities in state legislatures across the country.