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Friday, September 25, 2026 8:14PM
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Former state Rep. Garnet F. Coleman, who represented Houston for more than 30 years in the Texas House, died on Wednesday, according to his family.
In a statement, his family said he died of natural causes at the age of 65.
Coleman represented Houston’s House District 147 from 1991 until his retirement in 2022.
His most significant legislative achievements include establishing Children’s Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, as well as expanding mental health care and HIV/AIDS services.
In Houston, he championed neighborhood development and advocated relentlessly for Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, and the University of Houston. He also served as past chairman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.
SEE ALSO: Health issues force Texas Rep. Garnet Coleman to retire from state politics
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