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Statement from Congresswoman Joyce Beatty on the Passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner

March 5, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner: 

Congressman Sylvester Turner was a dedicated public servant who spent his life fighting for the people of Houston—from the Texas House of Representatives and the mayor’s office to the halls of Congress. His kind, purposeful, and thoughtful leadership reverberated throughout every community he entered, inspiring everyone around him.

Congressman Turner championed fair and equitable housing reform, alongside increased medical care for rural and underserved areas; policies that transformed the lives of hardworking Texan families, throughout his public service career.

As a passionate community leader of the Lone Star State and a proud Houstonian, Turner fought tirelessly for low-income and underserved Americans through legislation, community advocacy, and coalition-building.  During his short time in Congress, Congressman Turner was a beacon of hope within the Congressional Black Caucus and a passionate advocate for Medicaid, a lifeline for millions of children and families.  

He was a dear friend and I will cherish the memories of our work while he was Mayor and as my colleague in Congress.

I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and he will be greatly missed.

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