HOUSTON – Houston Mayor John Whitmire joined the city Wednesday morning before City Council’s session, to mourn the loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner.
BACKGROUND: Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner passes away at 70
“It’s my duty as mayor to confirm that Congressman Turner passed away last night,” a somber Whitmire began. “He was working in Washington and was taken to the hospital and he passed.”
In the moments before Houston City Council was to join together Wednesday morning, Whitmire spoke about the legacy Turner left behind noting he’s asked the flags outside City Hall to be flown at half-staff.
“This comes as a shock to everyone,” he added. “I would ask Houstonians to come together, pray for his family, join us in celebrating this remarkable public servant, celebrate his life.”
This morning, @houmayor John Whitmire announced the death of former mayor, Congressman SylvesterTurner.
— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) March 5, 2025
“A remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people. He rose from poverty, but never forgot where he came from. It is a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss… pic.twitter.com/SV0NAdsKPq
Despite apparent tensions when Whitmire and Turner were seen as political rivals when the former was running as his successor for Houston mayor, Whitmire claimed they were longtime friends.
“Not many people know how close Sylvester and I were,” he admitted. “I was in the Senate for 40 years; he was a state representative in my district for 24.”
MORE: Sylvester Turner, former Houston mayor and congressman, remembered for political legacy
Outside the political arena, Whitmire noted they were personal friends who were in each other’s lives during important family events like the birth of their respective daughters.
“We’ve been together in good times and bad times,” Whitmire continued. “He asked me to speak at his mother’s funeral. I was there when Ashley was born. He was there when Whitney and Sarah were born.
Before calling for a recess “as an opportunity to reflect,” the Mayor said the City Council would still convene (after consulting with Turner’s team and family).
“He and I both loved Houston...it’s a personal loss for me,” Whitmire concluded. “I’ve lost a personal friend, advisor and we’ve lost an outstanding public servant. No one will be able to step into Sylvester’s shoes and carry on his duties because there’s only one Sylvester Turner.”