Former Houston mayor and current U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) died suddenly Wednesday morning at age 70, his family announced. Turner served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for almost 30 years before becoming Houston’s mayor from 2016 to 2024.

Here's what we know about how Turner's Congressional seat will be filled. Gov. Greg Abbott will have to call for the election and set a date.

Turner's death raised immediate questions about the future of the 18th Congressional District in Houston, long a Democratic stronghold.

Shortly after the news broke Wednesday morning of former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s death, speculation began about a special election for his U.S. Congressional seat — a post he’d held for just two months.

Turner, who passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 70, had a long and distinguished career in public office, including eight years as mayor of Houston.

Greg Abbott ordered all flags statewide to be flown at half-staff until March 8 in honor of Turner. Cecilia and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner. Turner’s ...