Dem Congressman Passes Away Just After Watching Trump Address Congress [WATCH]

Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) passed away early Wednesday at the age of 70, just two months after being sworn into office, according to party officials.

Linda Brown, a spokesperson for Turner, confirmed that he was taken to the hospital but was later released before passing away at his home Wednesday morning.

No immediate cause of death was provided.

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Turner’s death alters the balance of power in the House of Representatives, which now stands at 218 Republicans to 214 Democrats, with three vacancies.

This shift gives Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) additional breathing room as the House navigates key legislative battles, including a potential partial government shutdown and advancing President Trump’s agenda.

We’re saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner, who represented Texas’s 18th District.

He served his community faithfully, not only as a member of Congress, but as a former state legislator and a mayor of Houston.

Our prayers are with his family…

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) March 5, 2025

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) issued a statement expressing shock over Turner’s sudden passing.

“The House Democratic Caucus family is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner,” Jeffries stated.

“Though he was newly elected to the Congress, Rep. Turner had a long and distinguished career in public service and spent decades fighting for the people of Houston.”

Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Jamie Harrison also reflected on Turner’s legacy.

“I’m so heartbroken to learn about the passing of my dear friend Congressman and former Mayor @SylvesterTurner!” Harrison wrote on X.

“We became friends during the DNC Convention Site selection process in 2018. A visionary leader and advocate… I will miss my friend and he will be missed by so many in his beloved Houston, TX. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest in Peace!”

I’m so heartbroken to learn about the passing of my dear friend Congressman and former Mayor @SylvesterTurner !

We became friends during the DNC Convention Site selection process in 2018. A visionary leader and advocate… I will miss my friend and he will be missed by so many… pic.twitter.com/8YP3zU4eIZ

— Jaime Harrison (@harrisonjaime) March 5, 2025

Turner, who was elected in 2024 to replace longtime Houston-area Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee after her passing, was in attendance for President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on the night of his death.

His final post on X, formerly Twitter, criticized potential cuts to Medicaid, stating, “My message to the current administration for tonight’s State of the Union: ‘Don’t mess with Medicaid.’”

My message to the current administration for tonight’s State of the Union: “Don’t mess with Medicaid.”

I am proud to have Angela Hernandez here from our Congressional district as my guest. She is representing and advocating for her daughter Baislee Garcia who has a rare genetic… pic.twitter.com/n9p49IXGHa

— U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner (@repsturner) March 5, 2025

Turner also highlighted the presence of his guest, Angela Hernandez, who advocates for her daughter, Baislee Garcia, who has a rare genetic disorder.

“Let me be clear: any cuts to Medicaid are a direct attack on families like Angela’s,” Turner wrote.

“President Trump and Elon Musk’s push to gut Medicaid is nothing short of a betrayal of the most vulnerable among us. They are playing politics with children’s lives, and I will not stand for it.”

Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), who was removed from the House chamber for repeatedly disrupting Trump’s remarks during the address, reacted emotionally to Turner’s passing.

“We were on the floor together last night. You never know for whom the bell will toll next,” Green told Axios. “I’m a little full from losing my friend.”

“I’m just overwhelmed,” Green added. “When I heard [the news], I fell to my knees. I can’t believe it.”

Mayor @whitmire_john just confirmed the passing of former mayor and Congressman @SylvesterTurner. pic.twitter.com/4fZSxgkAJI

— charles (@cjblain10) March 5, 2025

Jeffries echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Turner’s dedication. “Like those before him, Rep. Turner was a fighter until the end – he was present yesterday evening to ensure that the voice of one of his constituents, who relies on Medicaid, was heard,” he said.

“In what would be his final message to his beloved constituents last night, he reminded us ‘don’t mess with Medicaid.’”

Before serving in Congress, Turner was the mayor of Houston for eight years following a 17-year tenure in the Texas state legislature.

In November 2022, Turner disclosed that he had undergone surgery and six weeks of radiation therapy after being diagnosed with bone cancer in his jaw.

Jeffries concluded his statement by offering condolences on behalf of House Democrats.

“The entire House Democratic Caucus family is praying for the Turner family and staff, as well as the City of Houston. May he forever rest in power.”

REPORTER: “Can you guarantee Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will not be touched?”

TRUMP: “I’ve said it so many times that you shouldn’t even be asking me that question…” pic.twitter.com/2Dv0IscpnJ

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 26, 2025

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