Rep. Ron Wright dies after the battle with COVID-19

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

US Representative Ron Wright of Arlington died on Sunday night after a battle with COVID-19. He was 67 years old.

His family and spokesman confirmed Wright’s death on Monday morning. The deputy, re-elected in November, had been battling cancer.

Wright is the first member of Congress 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 released by Wright’s office. “Ron and Susan dedicated their lives to the fight for individual freedom, for Texas values ​​and, above all, for the lives of unborn children. As friends, family and many of his constituents will know, Ron kept his wits and optimism to the end. Despite years of painful, sometimes debilitating treatment for cancer, Ron never lacked the desire to get up and go to work, to motivate people around him or to offer parental advice. “

According to the statement, Wright had been maintaining a vigorous programmed work before contracting the virus. Two weeks ago, Wright and his wife, Susan, were admitted to the Baylor hospital in Dallas because of the side effects of COVID-19.

Wright announced on January 21 that he had tested positive “after contacting an individual with the virus last week”. He has been quarantined since January 15 and said he will remain in quarantine until doctors release him to return to work.

“I’m having mild symptoms, but in general I feel good and will continue to work for people in the 6th District at home this week. I encourage everyone to follow the CDC guidelines and I want to thank all the medical professionals on the front lines who fight against this virus every day, ”he said at the time in a note released by his office.

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

Wright, due to his age and health complications, has been an infrequent traveler to Washington for the past 11 months, the House’s voting records show. Although Congressional leaders have taken steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, several lawmakers have still contracted the virus.

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

Wright is the first full member of Congress to die after fighting COVID-19. Representative-elect Luke Letlow of Louisiana, a Republican, died of complications from the virus a few days before he took office.

Known for his intelligence and deeply appreciated for his district and history, Wright served in various public service positions before arriving at Congress.

“The first thing I think of, when I remember Ron Wright, is in his heart for the service,” said conservative radio talk show host Mark Davis. “I always met Ron Wright when I was working in the 6th district. He was a wonderful man and always had a smile and an optimistic attitude. He took this attitude when he served in Arlington, Tarrant County and his constituency.

Wright served on the Arlington City Council from 2000 to 2008, in the second semester as provisional mayor. He was elected tax advisor-collector for Tarrant County in 2010, a position he held for six years.

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

In 2018, Wright led a field of 11 candidates in the Republican Party primaries with 45% of the vote, just below the majority needed to avoid a runoff, although he barely outperformed rival Jake Ellzey, 52-48, by just 1,064 votes. more than 24,000.

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

For a second term, he passed the primaries without opposition and, in November, defended 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 district.

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

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

Wright leaves his wife, Susan; her daughter Rachel, her children Derek and Justin, her brother Gary and nine grandchildren.