Representative Ron Wright dies after battle with COVID-19

This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the day.

U.S. Representative Ron Wright from Arlington died Sunday night after a battle with COVID-19. He was 67 years old.

His family and spokesperson confirmed Wright’s death Monday morning. The congressman, re-elected in November, was battling cancer.

Wright is the first congressman to die from COVID-19.

“Congressman Wright will be remembered as a constitutional conservative. He was a statesman, not an ideologue, ”according to a statement issued by Wright’s office. “Ron and Susan have dedicated their lives to fighting for individual freedom, Texas values ​​and, above all, the lives of unborn children. As his friends, family and many of his constituents know, Ron kept his wit and optimism alive until the very end. Despite years of painful and sometimes debilitating cancer treatments, Ron has never lacked a desire to get up and go to work, motivate those around him or offer fatherly advice.

According to the statement, Wright had planned a vigorous labor before contracting the virus. Two weeks ago, Wright and his wife, Susan, were admitted to Baylor Hospital in Dallas due to side effects from COVID-19.

Wright announced on Jan. 21 that he had tested positive “after coming into contact with someone infected with the virus last week.” He had been in quarantine since Jan.15 and said he would remain in quarantine until doctors cleared him to return to work.

“I am experiencing minor symptoms, but overall I feel good and will continue to work for the people of the 6th arrondissement from home this week. I encourage everyone to continue to follow the guidelines of the CDC and I want to thank all the healthcare professionals on the front line who fight this virus head-on every day, ”he said at the time in a statement. published by his office.

The quarantine began two days after the House voted to impeach then-President Donald Trump. Wright voted against impeachment, as did all but 10 Republicans, none from Texas.

Wright, given his age and health concerns, was an infrequent traveler to Washington for the past 11 months, according to House voting records. While congressional leaders have taken action to stop the spread of COVID-19, several lawmakers have contracted the virus again.

To date, three other Texans have tested positive for the coronavirus: Reps Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands; Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler; and Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth. All three Texans have recovered after reporting mild symptoms.

Wright is the first congressman to die after battling COVID-19. Republican Luke Letlow of Louisiana, a Republican, died of complications from the virus just days before being sworn in.

Known for his wit and deeply appreciated for his district and history, Wright served in several public service positions before reaching Congress.

“The first thing I think of when I remember Ron Wright is his heart for service,” said conservative radio show host Mark Davis. “I always ran into Ron Wright when I was working in the 6th arrondissement. He was a wonderful man and he always had a smile and an optimistic attitude. He adopted this attitude with him when he served Arlington, Tarrant County and its Congressional District.

Wright served on Arlington City Council from 2000 to 2008, the second half as acting mayor. He was elected Tarrant County Assessor-Collector in 2010, a position he held for six years.

He succeeded fellow Republican Joe Barton, who retired after 17 terms.

In 2018, Wright led a field of 11 GOP primary contenders with 45% of the vote, just below the majority needed to avoid a run-off, though he barely passed rival Jake Ellzey, 52- 48, by only 1,064 votes. over 24,000.

He had had an easier time after that. In the fall of 2018, he beat Democrat Jana Lynne Sanchez 53-45.

For a second term, he made it through the unopposed primary and, in November, he fought off Democrat Stephen Daniel 53-44.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/elections/2020/11/04/us-rep-ron-wright-of-arlington-defends-his-seat-in-congress-against-texas-democrat-stephen- Daniel /

Wright was well known in the neighborhood.

https://twitter.com/AllenWest/status/1358809522215682048

Texas Republican Party Chairman Allen West said, “I just heard the news @RepRonWright. The West family adds our condolences and prayers.

Wright is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter Rachel, his sons Derek and Justin, his brother Gary and nine grandchildren.