Feb 5, 2025 Story by: Editor
This article was updated to include more information about the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
Sylvester Turner, a longtime public servant and Houston native, has recently taken on the role of Texas Congressman. His journey into politics and leadership has been shaped by decades of dedication to his community and a strong commitment to public service.
Born and raised in Houston’s Acres Homes neighborhood, Turner earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctor from Harvard University. His political career began in the Texas House of Representatives, where he served for nearly three decades, advocating for policies that supported economic development, education, and infrastructure improvements.
Turner served 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 139. As a respected bipartisan leader, he served 21 years on the House Appropriations Committee and six years as Speaker Pro Tem, helping shape state fiscal policy and balancing multiple budgets.
Elected as Houston’s 62nd Mayor in 2015 and re-elected in 2019, Turner led the nation’s fourth-largest city through unprecedented challenges. He guided Houston through seven federally declared natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Turner championed pension reform, reducing the city’s liabilities by billions, a “fix” that eluded the city for nearly two decades.
Turner launched Houston’s first Climate Action Plan, reinforcing the city’s status as the energy capital of the world and committing to carbon neutrality by 2050. He chaired the Global Resilient Cities Network, was a leader in the C40 Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and served as Chair of U.S. Climate Mayors, enhancing Houston’s leadership in sustainability, climate adaptation, and energy transition.
As he steps into his new role as a Congressman, Turner brings with him a wealth of experience in governance, policy-making, and community engagement. His tenure is expected to focus on issues such as infrastructure investment, job creation, and social justice reforms, continuing his legacy of service to the people of Texas.
Harris County Democrats selected him to be the Democratic candidate for the seat vacated by the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. Jackson Lee announced her pancreatic cancer diagnosis on June 2 before passing July 19, 2024.
A committee of 88 party officials in the 18th district were invited to vote for the next Democratic candidate. Turner won by a slim margin, securing 41 votes. Former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards came in second with 37. The district is heavily Democratic.
The Harris Democratic Party selected the candidate because Jackson Lee died too close to the general election to hold another primary. Jackson Lee died in July 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She had won the Democratic primary for the seat in March 2024 against Edwards.
Source: U.S. House of Representatives
