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.

Sylvester Turner, a Democratic congressman and former mayor of Houston, has died at the age of 70. Turner died peacefully Wednesday, according to a statement from his congressional office. No cause of death was provided.

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