U.S. REP. RON WRIGHT DIES FOLLOWING COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS

WASHINGTON – Texas Republican Rep. Ron Wright has died, his congressional office announced in a statement Monday, stating he had been admitted to the hospital after contracting COVID-19.

Wright passed away peacefully at the age of 67 on Feb. 7, 2021. 

For the previous two weeks, Ron and his wife Susan had been admitted to Baylor Hospital in Dallas after contracting COVID-19.

“She was by his side, and he is ‘now in the presence of their Lord and Savior.’”

According to the statement, “Over the past few years, Wright had kept a rigorous work schedule on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and at home in Texas’ Congressional District 6 while being treated for cancer. 

“He will be remembered as a constitutional conservative. 

“He was a statesman, not an ideologue. Wright and his wife Susan dedicated their lives to fighting for individual freedom, Texas values, and above all, the lives of the unborn. 

“As friends, family, and many of his constituents will know, Ron maintained his quick wit and optimism until the very end. 

“Despite years of painful, sometimes debilitating treatment for cancer, he never lacked the desire to get up and go to work, to motivate those around him, or to offer fatherly advice.”

Wright is survived by his wife, Susan; his son Derek; his son Justin and wife Susan; his daughter Rachel and husband Jeff; his brother Gary and wife Janis; nine grandchildren; cousins and extended family. 

His congressional office announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 21 with the congressman stating at the time, “I am experiencing minor symptoms, but overall, I feel okay and will continue working for the people of the 6th District from home this week.”

The statement on Monday noted that Wright has also battled cancer.

The Texas Republican was 67. Wright, who first took office in 2019, underwent treatment in recent years for lung cancer diagnosed in 2018.

Wright is the first sitting member of Congress to die after contracting COVID-19. Luke Letlow, a Louisiana Republican elected to the House last year, died in late December from COVID-19 complications before he took office.

Wright was born  April 8, 1953, in Cherokee County, Texas and died Feb. 7, 2021. A special election will be announced for his replacement.