HOUSTON - Congressman Sylvester Turner has passed away at the age of 70. Rep. Turner was elected to Texas' 18th Congressional District in November. Per the U.S. Constitution, House vacancies are only filled via special elections. Texas Governor Greg Abbott will call a special election to fill Turner's seat.

Two months after being sworn into U.S. Congress, Rep. Sylvester Turner’s House seat will now be vacant after he passed away Wednesday at 70.

Here's what we know about how Turner's Congressional seat will be filled. Gov. Greg Abbott will have to call for the election and set a date.

Turner's death raised immediate questions about the future of the 18th Congressional District in Houston, long a Democratic stronghold.

Turner, who passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 70, had a long and distinguished career in public office, including eight years as mayor of Houston.

Greg Abbott ordered all flags statewide to be flown at half-staff until March 8 in honor of Turner. Cecilia and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner. Turner’s ...