Congressman's speech guest recounts emotional final meeting before his death

Congressman’s Guest Recounts Emotional Final Meeting Before His Passing

HOUSTON — Angela Hernandez only met Congressman Sylvester Turner once, but that brief encounter left an indelible mark on her.

"He was fierce when it came to advocating for Baislee and families like ours," Hernandez said. "But behind the scenes, he was humble and down to earth."

Their first—and ultimately last—meeting took place Tuesday night. Hernandez, a Houston mother of a disabled child, had been invited as Turner's guest to the President’s joint address to Congress. As one of his constituents, she represented families who rely on Medicaid for survival.

Her 2-year-old daughter, Baislee, was born with a rare genetic condition requiring lifelong, intensive care.

"He wanted to make sure I was comfortable, that his team wasn’t walking too fast for me, and that I was seen and heard," Hernandez said.

Before the speech, Turner made sure she took center stage, placing her before reporters so her story could be told. Then, they parted ways—Turner taking his seat on the House floor and Hernandez watching from the gallery.

"He seemed fine, though a little tired by the end of the night—but we all were, it had been a long day," she recalled.

After the speech, she didn’t see Turner again. She returned to her hotel, unaware it would be their final encounter.

The next morning, she received an unexpected call from Turner’s staff.

"His team was supposed to pick me up for my flight, so I thought it was about that," she said. "At first, I was in shock. But I was also incredibly emotional because the last thing he was doing was making sure Baislee’s story was heard. Even in his final moments, he was still fighting."

Turner passed away suddenly on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his constituents—one that Hernandez will never forget.