According to a tweet posted by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Wade "battled this vicious virus without complaint."
A dear and beloved friend has fallen tonight at the hands of COVID-19. Keith Wade was a quiet and even handed leader. He was a political strategist without comparison and many of us in public service can attribute our successes to him...
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) May 22, 2020
He battled this vicious virus with out complaint, and he will be deeply missed. We are praying for his family and we hope that all will be be comforted by the many memories we have with him and the many successes of his life. Rest In Peace Brother Keith.
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) May 22, 2020
"He will be deeply missed," she wrote. "We are praying for his family and we hope that all will be comforted by the many memories we have with him and the many successes of his life."
In a statement released by the mayor's office, Turner said Wade was instrumental in various campaigns in all levels of government.
Keith Wade and I go back 46 years, to our days on the campus of the @UHouston.
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) May 22, 2020
After I was speaker of the @UHSGA, he was president. Our journey in politics started on the University of Houston campus. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/S5aFHjKj3a
Throughout his life, Keith championed the causes of labor, people who have been disenfranchised and he advocated for the rights of people to vote.
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) May 22, 2020
He was instrumental in so many campaigns in all levels of government.
And that is true in my case as well. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/6avSs1mCEh
Throughout his life, Keith championed the causes of labor, people who have been disenfranchised and he advocated for the rights of people to vote.
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) May 22, 2020
He was instrumental in so many campaigns in all levels of government.
And that is true in my case as well. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/6avSs1mCEh
"Keith and I go back 46 years, to our days on the campus of the University of Houston," wrote Turner. "After I was speaker of the student government, he was president. Our journey in politics started on the UH campus. Throughout his life, Keith championed the causes of labor, people who have been disenfranchised and he advocated for the rights of people to vote."
Wade most recently worked on Turner's 2019 re-election campaign and served as a special advisor to both Turner and Mayor Annise Parker.
Spokesperson for the mayor's office Mary Benton said Wade has not been to city hall in more than a month. She added that special advisors don't necessarily work at city hall every day and mainly work on special projects at the direction of the mayor.
"There would be no reason for the mayor to go into quarantine or any other city employee unless they had direct contact with him and exhibiting symptoms," said Benton.
My heart is broken. Tonight Houston mourns the passing of a legend, but more importantly, a beautiful friend to so many of us.
— Abbie Kamin (@AbbieKamin) May 22, 2020
Keith Wade stood by me through one of my most trying times. That’s who he was. I cherish his wisdom, guidance, and the comfort of his spirit.
Turner got tested for COVID-19 last week along with the rest of the members of city council.
