| Houston, Texas — Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee gave the following statement on the passing of the Honorable Sylvester Turner, Congressman for the 18th Congressional District and former Mayor of Houston. “It is hard to put into words the loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner. For nearly four decades, he devoted his life to public service, standing as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Houstonians, residents of the 18th Congressional District, and all Texans. He epitomized remaining calm under pressure, guiding our city through natural disasters and crises with steady leadership. He worked tirelessly to serve every community, ensuring that those too often overlooked had a voice. He stood firm in his convictions, regardless of whether they were popular, because he understood that true leadership isn’t about convenience—it’s about doing what’s right. I saw his relentless advocacy firsthand. As Mayor of Houston, he brought the EPA Administrator to Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens to see firsthand the impact of contamination in historically Black neighborhoods. He proudly and publicly fought against the Texas Legislature’s passing of Senate Bill 1, one of the most restrictive voting laws in the country. He never backed down from the powerful—whether they sat in the White House, the governor’s mansion, or a corporate boardroom. Because for him, public service wasn’t about accolades. It was about standing up for others. To those of us who served alongside him, he was more than a leader—he was a mentor. He taught us to stand tall, hold our heads high, and walk into any room with confidence, knowing we belonged. But most of all, he was a friend. He answered every call. He encouraged and affirmed you. He told you when you could do better. He gave you a microphone and pushed you to lead. Rest well, Congressman. We are all better because you dedicated your life to serving the public.” |