The flags of Texas and the U.S. are flying at half staff on Thursday and Friday to honor U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner of Houston, who started his first term in Congress in January. The Democrat was formerly the mayor of Houston from 2016-2024.

Former Houston Mayor and U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner and the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee — colleagues, friends and proud Houstonians — often spoke of a shared goal to serve the city they loved. Turner,

Texas Rep. Jon Rosenthal (D-Houston) offered his condolences to Turner early Wednesday morning. "He was a dear friend and an incredible lifelong public servant who will be forever remembered for his service to our communities, our city, our state and our country. RIP Mr Mayor."