BREAKING: Democrat Rep dead just hours after attending Trump address

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From The Hill: Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas), the former Houston mayor who won a seat in Congress in November, succeeding the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D), died Tuesday night. He was 70.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) confirmed Turner’s death Wednesday morning.

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

Prior to being elected to U.S. Congress in November, Turner had served 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives, and was elected mayor of Houston in 2015, then re-elected in 2019.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirmed Turner’s death Wednesday morning, and said the congressman was taken to the hospital Tuesday night. However, Linda Brown, a spokesperson for Turner, reportedly clarified that Rep. Turner was taken to a hospital Tuesday night, but died at his home on Wednesday morning after being released.

Just 30 minutes ahead of President Trump’s address to Congress Tuesday night, Turner had posted a video on X, announcing his guest for the event, and pushing the claim that Trump wanted to cut Medicaid.

It was his final social media post.

Turner’s office just now posted the following statement on his X account, announcing his death:

Rep. Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) posted a photo he had just taken with Turner, and wrote, “Last night, I dapped up & hugged my friend & fellow colleague @SylvesterTurner – For some reason, (on that night) I suggested we take a selfie, having no clue it would be the last time I would see him. He was a former Houston Mayor, current Rep, but more importantly a good man.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson released the following statement Wednesday morning: “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 and constituents as they mourn his loss.”

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) wrote, “Heidi and I are praying for the family and loved ones of Sylvester Turner. He faithfully served my hometown and dedicated his life to public service. May God bless and comfort his loved ones during this time.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also released a statement, and wrote, “Celicia and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time of grief.”

House Homeland Security Committee Democrats said in a statement: “Today we mourn the loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner. While he was only with the Committee for a short while, he was a measured legislator and a team player. He was well respected by all and was always known for doing what’s in the best interest of his constituents.”

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