Trump’s speech to Congress has been making waves. But this just blew it right out of the water.
Because one Democrat Congressman dropped dead immediately after Trump’s speech.
Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) passed away early Wednesday, just 62 days into his congressional tenure, Democratic officials confirmed. He was 70.
The sudden loss trims the House Democratic roster to 214 against 218 Republicans, leaving three seats vacant and handing Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) a touch more wiggle room as President Trump’s agenda — and a looming government shutdown fight — heat up.
Linda Brown, Turner’s spokesperson, told the Associated Press he’d been hospitalized before passing at home Wednesday morning after his release. The news stunned his party.
“The House Democratic Caucus family is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner,” said Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
“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.”
Tributes poured in fast. “I’m so heartbroken to learn about the passing of my dear friend Congressman and former Mayor @SylvesterTurner!” posted Jamie Harrison, ex-DNC chair, on X.
“We became friends during the DNC Convention Site selection process in 2018. A visionary leader and advocate… I will miss my friend and he will be missed by so many in his beloved Houston, TX. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest in Peace!”
Turner, who’d won his seat in 2024 to succeed the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, had been in the House chamber Tuesday night for Trump’s joint-session address. His final X post, fired off that evening, took a swing at the administration:
“My message to the current administration for tonight’s State of the Union: ‘Don’t mess with Medicaid.’ I am proud to have Angela Hernandez here from our Congressional district as my guest. She is representing and advocating for her daughter Baislee Garcia who has a rare genetic disorder Chromosome 8p: Inversion/Duplication/Deletion.”
He didn’t hold back: “Let me be clear: any cuts to Medicaid are a direct attack on families like Angela’s. President Trump and Elon Musk’s push to gut Medicaid is nothing short of a betrayal of the most vulnerable among us. They are playing politics with children’s lives, and I will not stand for it.”
It was a fierce parting shot—one Jeffries hailed: “Like those before him, Rep. Turner was a fighter until the end – he was present yesterday evening to ensure that the voice of one of his constituents, who relies on Medicaid, was heard.”
Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), ejected from that same speech for heckling Trump, was floored. “We were on the floor together last night. You never know for whom the bell will toll next,” he told Axios. “I’m a little full from losing my friend.”
He added, “I’m just overwhelmed. When I heard [the news], I fell to my knees. I can’t believe it.”
A Houston native, Turner had a storied run — 17 years in the Texas legislature, then eight as the city’s mayor — before landing in Congress. Back in November 2022, he’d shared his battle with bone cancer in his jaw, treated with surgery and six weeks of radiation.
“The entire House Democratic Caucus family is praying for the Turner family and staff, as well as the City of Houston,” Jeffries closed. “May he forever rest in power.”
Turner’s exit leaves a void — and a tighter House math for Democrats. His last stand against Trump’s Medicaid moves highlight his grit, even as the president’s team gears up to reshape the landscape. Houston mourns a titan; Washington braces for the next round.
