Texas Republican Representative Ron Wright died on Sunday, about two weeks after hiring COVID-19. The first full member of Congress to die of the virus, Wright had also been undergoing cancer treatment for years, according to a statement released by his office.
“Congressman Ron Wright passed away peacefully at the age of 67 on February 7, 2021. His wife Susan was at his side and he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior,” said the statement.
For the past two weeks, he and his wife, Susan Wright, were at Baylor Hospital in Dallas after they were both diagnosed with COVID-19. On January 21, Wright released a statement announcing that he had tested positive after contacting someone who had the disease a week earlier.
When he announced his diagnosis, Wright quarantined and described his symptoms as “minor”. “I feel good and will continue to work for people in the 6th District at home this week,” he said.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Wright’s office said he had been maintaining a “rigorous work schedule” in the House and at home during cancer treatment and said he particularly fought for “individual freedom, Texas values and, most of all, the lives of unborn children “.
Wright first won the seat in the 6th district in 2018, following the retirement of former congressman Joe Barton. The district covers Arlington, part of Fort Worth and areas south of Dallas-Fort Worth.
Although Wright is the first full member of Congress to die after contracting the virus, elected Congressman Luke Letlow also died in late December, days before his inauguration. He was 41 years old.
Kathryn Watson contributed to this report.