This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the day.
Rep Ron Wright of Arlington died Sunday night due to COVID-19. He was 67.
His family and spokesperson confirmed Wright’s death due to the coronavirus Monday morning. The Republican congressman, who was reelected in November, also had been battling lung cancer.
Wright is the first member of Congress to die of 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 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, Ron never lacked the desire to get up and go to work, to motivate those around him, or to offer fatherly advice.”
According to the statement, Wright had been keeping a vigorous work scheduled before contracting the virus. Two weeks ago Wright and his wife, Susan, were admitted to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas because of COVID-19 side effects.
Wright announced on Jan. 21 that he had tested positive “after coming in contact with an individual 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 okay and will continue working for the people of the 6th District from home this week. I encourage everyone to keep following CDC guidelines and want to thank all the medical professionals on the front lines who fight this virus head-on every single day,” he said at the time in a statement issued by his office.
The quarantine began two days after the House voted to impeach then-president Donald Trump. Wright voted against the impeachment, as did all but 10 Republicans, none from Texas.
Wright, given his age and health complications, stayed away from Washington for stretches at a time over the last 11 months, House voting records show. While congressional leaders have taken steps to stop COVID-19′s spread, several lawmakers have still contracted the virus.
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 of those Texans recovered after reporting mild symptoms.
Wright is the first sitting member of Congress to die after battling COVID-19. Rep.-elect Luke Letlow of Louisiana, a Republican, died from complications due to the virus just days before being sworn in.
Known for his wit and deep appreciation for his district and its history, Wright served in several public service posts before reaching Congress.
“The first thing I think about, when I remember Ron Wright, is his heart for service,” said conservative radio talk show host Mark Davis. “I was always running into Ron Wright when I was working in the 6th District. He was a wonderful man and he always had a smile and an upbeat attitude. He took that attitude with him when he served Arlington, Tarrant County and his congressional district.
Wright served on the Arlington City Council from 2000 to 2008, the second half as mayor pro tem. He was elected Tarrant County tax assessor-collector in 2010, a post he held for six years.
He succeeded fellow Republican Joe Barton, who retired after 17 terms.
In 2018, Wright led an 11-candidate field in the GOP primary with 45% of the vote, just short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff, though he barely eked past rival Jake Ellzey, 52-48, by just 1,064 votes out of more than 24,000.
He’d had an easier time after that. In fall 2018, he beat Democrat Jana Lynne Sanchez 53-45.
For a second term, he coasted through the primary without opposition, and in November, he fended off Democrat Stephen Daniel 53-44.
Wright was well known in the district.
His Texas congressional colleagues from both sides of the aisle praised Wright.
“Ron will be remembered as a tireless fighter for North Texas who brought his conservative principles and a love of country to the United States Congress every single day,” said GOP Rep. Roger Williams of Austin. We’ll all miss his signature bowtie and warm personality in the halls of the Capitol, a presence that cannot soon be replaced. My prayers are with his wife Susan and his beautiful family during this difficult time.”
Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, said Wright helped his push for a new Garland Veterans Administration medical center.
“When I was looking for a Republican to help lead the push to create the Garland VA, Ron Wright stepped up and was with me every step of the way,” he said in a statement. “We had very different views on many things, but he was a man of principle and will be missed.”
Wright had not received a vaccination, unlike some House members.
Texas Democratic Party chair Gilberto Hinojosa offered “heartfelt condolences” to Wright’s family “and to all of those who loved and cared for him.”
“The outpouring of prayers and support shows the type of man Wright was and how beloved he was by many Texans across the state. This loss serves as a tragic reminder that we must remain vigilant fighting against this deadly virus,” he said.
Sen. John Cornyn called Wright “a passionate public servant and a strong advocate for Texas values, his neighbors in North Texas, and constituents across Texas’ 6th District. A sixth-generation resident of Tarrant County, he was a Texan first and foremost, and we saw that every day as he put his community first.”
Texas Republican Party chairman Allen West said, “Just hearing of the news about @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.
Washington Bureau Chief Todd J. Gillman and correspondents Tom Benning and Elizabeth Thompson contributed to this report.