Shock, dismay, and heartbreak are some of the ways Houston area leaders and Texas politicians from both sides of the aisle are reacting to the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner, former mayor of Houston.

The cause of death is unclear. Turner took office weeks ago, filling the seat left vacant by the death of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

Sylvester Turner of Texas has died, according to Houston Mayor John Whitmire. He was 70. “A remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people. He rose from poverty but never forgot where he came from.