GOP Rep. Ron Wright dies after Covid battle

Feb 08, 2021

GOP Rep. Ron Wright of Texas has died after a recent battle with coronavirus, his office announced Monday.

Wright, 67, tested positive for Covid-19 last month and had been hospitalized in Dallas for the past two weeks. He also was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018 and had been hospitalized last September for complications related to his cancer treatments.

In a statement, his office said Wright “passed away peacefully” on Sunday with his wife Susan by his side.

“As friends, family, and many of his constituents will know, Ron maintained his quick wit and optimism until the very end,” the statement reads. “Despite years of painful, sometimes debilitating treatment for cancer, Ron never lacked the desire to get up and go to work, to motivate those around him, or to offer fatherly advice.”

Wright’s death comes less than two months after the House lost another member: Rep.-elect Luke Letlow (R-La.), who also died after contracting coronavirus. Dozens of members have also tested positive for Covid-19 over the past year, and lawmakers started receiving the vaccine in December.

Wright first came to Congress in 2019, after running for the Arlington-area seat vacated by Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas).

“Our heartfelt condolences are with the entire Wright family,” said NRCC Chairman Tom Emmer (R-Minn.). “Congressman Wright was a sixth generation Texan and a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to bettering his community. I hope the legacy and good work Ron leaves behind is a comfort to his family during this devastating time.”

Wright leaves behind his wife as well as three children and nine grandchildren.

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