Former Texas state Rep. Garnet Coleman, a Houston Democrat who represented the city’s Third Ward and surrounding areas in the Texas House for more than 30 years, died at age 65. His family said he died of natural causes.
Coleman was first elected in 1991 and served until his retirement in 2022.
He became known as a leading voice on healthcare and mental health policy, helping create Children’s Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program in Texas. He also chaired the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and the Texas Legislative Study Group House Caucus, and was a longtime advocate for Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M and the University of Houston.
Texas political leaders remembered him warmly.
Christian Menefee, U.S. Rep., 18th Congressional District:
“Saddened to hear of the passing of former State Representative Garnet Coleman. He was an institution in both Houston and at the Capitol in Austin.
A public servant who knew exactly which levers of power to pull to get stuff done for his community, and he did so every time the doors of the Capitol opened. A leader who fought so that every Texan could have a roof over their head, good health care, and a quality education.”
Jolanda Jones, Texas State Representative:
“My heart is with the family and loved ones of former State Representative Garnet Coleman, my predecessor in House District 147.
Garnet did not simply represent this district for more than three decades. He fought for it.
He was a giant in public health and a relentless advocate for affordable health care, especially for children and people living with mental illness. He helped advance the James Byrd Jr.
Third Ward is better because he served it. House District 147 is better because he fought for it.
Rest peacefully, Chair Coleman. You served. You fought. You made a difference.”
Ron Reynolds, Texas State Representative:
“Today, we honor the life and legacy of The Honorable Garnet Coleman, a giant in public service and a true champion for the people of Texas. Garnet Coleman devoted his life to fighting for justice, equity, and opportunity for those too often overlooked and unheard. His voice carried weight, his leadership made a difference, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. My prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched. Rest in power, my friend. You will never be forgotten.”
Harold Dutton, Jr., Texas State Representative:
“The passing of Rep Coleman leaves a huge void for his family, friends and the State of Texas. It was an absolute pleasure to serve with him in the Texas House and his commitment to serving his constituents and making life better for all Texans, particularly in health care was his highest goal. He will be missed.”
Lauren Ashley Simmons, Texas State Representative:
“Garnet Coleman ran his race well. He was a giant in Houston and a pillar in the fight for our rights, but what made him special was the way he pushed all of us to think beyond the moment and imagine what was possible. He fought for healthier families, stronger communities, and people too often left out of the conversation. Garnet made room for the next generation while never lowering the standard. His impact is all around us. There will never be another Garnet.”
Gene Wu, Texas State Representative:
“We had a good relationship, not just because we were both from Houston. The most important lesson I learned from him was about mental health…that talking about mental health is okay. Having mental health issues is okay. Getting treatment for mental health issues is okay. And that we shouldn’t be shy about talking about them. And if people have issues, we should give them the grace to get through them.”
Lesley Briones, Harris County Commissioner:
“Representative Garnet Coleman was a proud son of the Third Ward who never stopped fighting for the community that raised him. During his 31 years in the Texas House, he championed voting rights, access to healthcare, social justice, and equal rights for all. Through his service as the chair of the County Affairs Committee, he advocated for the residents of Harris County and celebrated the contributions of Texas’ largest county.
With his passing, Houston has lost one of its great leaders.”
Rodney Ellis, Harris County Commissioner:
“Words can’t fully convey what the loss of Garnet Coleman means for his beloved family, his cherished Third Ward community, our city and all of Texas.
This loss cuts deep. I loved Garnet like a brother, will miss him always, and remain ever grateful for the decades of friendship we shared.
Millions of lives have been made better by Garnet Coleman, and his legacy will endure for generations. May he rest well and in power. His work for justice is done, ours continues.”
Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge:
“Representative Garnet Coleman impacted the lives of so many Texans, including my own. When I sought mental health treatment in 2023, he was one of the first and most vocal elected leaders to support my decision publicly. His outspokenness on mental health has made it easier for so many of us to acknowledge how common mental illness is. Rep. Coleman spent his career working with Democrats and Republicans on behalf of Texans, particularly through health care and children – notably helping establish Children’s Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Texas, as well as fighting to extend state health coverage to foster kids attending college. Our whole community stands together to mourn his loss.”
Abbie Kamin, Harris County Attorney:
“The loss of our friend and longtime public servant, Garnet Coleman, has sent a shockwave through our community. Recognizing the giant that he was doesn’t cut it when you think about the life he led and the legacy he leaves behind. He dedicated his life to public service and was a tireless advocate for social justice, healthcare for all, and the people he represented. He was unwavering and unyielding in the causes he fought for, and making sure the voices of his community were heard.
May his memory forever be a blessing and bring strength to all who loved him.”
Edward Pollard, Houston City Council Member:
“Representative Coleman was an incredible public servant and a trailblazer for your Black men aspiring to seek elected office. My condolences to his family and all those affected during this time of loss.”
Tiffany Thomas, Houston City Council Member:
“You cannot truly understand Texas politics without mentioning Rep. Garnet Coleman.
His intellectual capacity was unmatched even as his health declined. His mastery of legislation. His understanding of government. His political instincts. He was a force and, more importantly, a visionary.
He understood long before many others that Third Ward would eventually become one of Houston’s most desirable neighborhoods and affordabilty would be the driving issue.
And rather than simply watching that change happen, he charted a path to preserve affordability so longtime residents could remain and the future of the community could still be led by us and for us.
I am saddened that we have lost another servant who had so much to give my generation of public servants.
There will not be another.”
