RN Wright of Arlington dies after 18-day battle with COVID-19

This is a developing story and will be updated all day.

RN Wright of Arlington died on Sunday night, less than three weeks after the signing of the Covid-1 contract. He was 67 years old.

His family and a spokesman confirmed Wright’s death Monday morning due to a coronavirus. Members of the Republican Congress, elected in November, were also battling lung cancer.

Wright is the first member of Congress to die in COVID-19.

The right of Congress will be remembered as a constitutional right. “He was a politician, not an ideologue,” Wright’s office said in a statement. “Ron and Suzanne have dedicated their lives to fighting for personal freedom, Texas values, and primarily the life of the unborn. As friends, family and many of his constituents would have known, Ron maintained his quick wit and optimism until the very end. Despite years of painful, sometimes poorly treated cancer, Ron never had the desire to get up and go to work, inspire the people around him, or give his father advice. ”

According to the statement, Wright was scheduling a hefty job before contracting the virus. Wright and his wife, Susan, were admitted to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas two weeks ago with COVID-19 side effects.

Wright January. Announced on the 21st that he had tested positive “after coming in contact with a person with the virus last week”. He has been in quarantine since January 15 and said he will remain in quarantine until doctors allow him to return to work.

“I’m experiencing minor symptoms, but overall, I’m fine and will continue to work for the people of Sixth District from home this week,” he said in a statement issued by his office fee. “I encourage everyone to follow the CDC guidelines and thank the front lines of every medical professional who is fighting this virus after this one day.”

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

That was his final House vote, congressional records show.

Wright, considering his age and health difficulties, has stayed away from Washington for a one-time stretch in the last 11 months, House poll records show. While Congress leaders have taken steps to stop the spread of COVID-19, many legislators are still infected with the virus.

To date, three other Texans have tested positive for coronavirus: Reps. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands; Louis Gohmert, R-Tyler; And K. Granger, R-Fort Worth. All three Texans received re-reporting after reporting mild symptoms.

Wright did not get vaccinated like many members of the House. But Wright got well from his doctors to get a two-course program just before the COVID-19 contract, his office fee said, and plans to do so in the near future.

Although the epidemic did not claim the lives of any other member of Congress, Louisiana, a Republican rip-off from Louisiana, died of coronavirus complications just five days before he was sworn in.

Known for his insight and deep appreciation for his district and its history and his bow ties, Wright held several elected positions before reaching Congress.

“The first thing I think of when I remember Ron Wright is the heart of the service,” said Mark Davis, host of the talk show Radio Talk. “I always went with Ron Wright when I was working in District 6. He was a wonderful man and always had a smile and a cheerful disposition. He kept that attitude with him when he served in Arlington, Trent County, and his congressional district.

Wright served on Arlington City Council from 2000 to 2008, his second term as Mayor Pro Tam. He was appointed Tarant County Tax Assessor-Collector in 2011 and has been re-elected twice.

Republican, Trent County Judge Glenn Whitley recalled Wright as a “very dedicated public servant” who “always wanted to leave the place better than he ever did.”

Whitley said, “Yes, he was a connoisseur,” who also recalled Wright’s fascination with history and “went back and researched things.” “But he was a team player and someone who was always looking forward to the future, not just the future. That’s what always impresses me about it. “

Wright congressional Republican Rep. Success to Joe Barton of Anis, who retired after 17 terms.

In 2018, Wright G.O.P. In the primary 11% won with 45% of the vote in the candidate’s constituency, which was short of a majority to avoid a runout. He then defeated past rival Jack Elzey 52-48, with just 1,064 votes out of more than 24,000 in the runout.

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

For a second term, he messed up the primary without opposition, and in November, he saved Democrat Stephen Daniels from -4 53–44.

After hosting Barton’s first political coffee in Arlington in the early 1990s, Wright ended years as a top congressional adviser – “my key volunteers, key supporters, key confidants” and, finally, his district director and then chief of staff, Barton said by phone on Monday. Was.

Fighting tears, his voice trembling, Barton described his friend as “really, really polite.”

“He was a smart guy,” he said. “He was a very honest man. I saw him go crazy once or twice, but I never saw him lose his temper. I had never heard him squeal, which is something I can’t say. He was a very compassionate person. ”

When Bart decided to retire before the 2018 election, he did not hesitate to encourage Wright to run for office. He lamented that Wright had been fighting the disease in Congress almost the entire time.

He “didn’t really get to meet his potential,” Barton said. But he noted that Wright still had significant success, helping Arlington secure the site of the National Medal of Male Museum. “He loved Texas,” Bart said. “He loved Arlington and Fort Worth.”

On that, Sanchez, the Democrat defeated by Wright in 2018, agreed.

“When we shared our differences, we both ran for Congress for the same reason: to fight for the people of North Texas,” he said. “He served with passion while fighting cancer and the deadly virus that many have claimed so quickly.”

Republican, Govt. Greg Abbott said he was “deeply saddened” by the death, and that Wright strongly opposed abortion, among other things.

“Ron was a principled leader who fought to uphold the values ​​of Texas and was an exemplary representative of his district.” “His personal strength and commitment to standing up to the unborn was reckless.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said the House is mourning Wright’s death, calling him “the son of Taranto County’s proud sixth-generation, who dedicated a life of public service to the people of Texas.”

“When his tenure in the House was short, he would lose his service,” he said.

Wright’s death marks the beginning of Congress’ 6-district district. Texas Governor Greg Abbott will later call a special election to replace the legislator. That competition is expected to generate an array of Republican and Democratic contenders.

Democrats last year turned Wright’s suburban district into a potential shopping opportunity. But the rivalry between Wright and Daniel never caught the attention of some other high-profile congressional relationship, and never took shape to fundraising.

Given that Democrats now control the House by only a handful of seats – after losing ground last year – a special election to replace Wright could get a big national spotlight.

Many Republicans will wait to see if Wright’s wife, Susan, decides to fight for the seat. Other potential G.O.P. The list of claimants could be long, ranging from Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams to state rapists. Until David Cook, Trent County Sheriff is Bill Weborn.

“There will be all kinds of local Republicans who are going to see it,” Barton said.

Barton predicted that Democrats would also run a “front line candidate” in the special election. Arlington’s State Rep. Among potential Democratic contenders. Chris Turner and State Sen. Beverly Powell of Berlson may be included.

But for now, legislators and others are remembering Wright.

Just a week ago, Rip. Chip Roy, R-Aust Stein, who was battling coronavirus, received a text from Wright: “Still in hospital, but definitely recovering. Pray for your family !!!

Roy said, “I will try to wear a bow strap right now and then to remember my happy and faithful friend.”

Wright was praised by Texas congressional allies on both sides of the aisle.

“Ron will be remembered as an indefatigable fighter for North Texas, who brought to the United States Congress every day his rhetorical principles and love for the country,” said Austin’s G.O.P. Rep. Said Roger Williams. “We’ll all lose his signature bye tie and cozy personality in Capitol’s hulls.”

Rep. Van Taylor, R-Plano, remembers Wright as “an incredible father, a loving husband and a proud Texan.”

“Not once, but twice in cancer, did Ron face difficulties with strength and grace, which inspired everyone who knew him,” Taylor said.

Colin Allred, D-Dallas, said Wright helped push for a new Garland Veterans Administration Medical Center.

He said, ‘When I met Garland V.A. Ron Wright swam pped and was with every route, looking for a Republican to lead the pressure to make. ‘ “We had different opinions on many things, but he was a man of principle and will be missed.”

Texas Democratic Party President Gilberto Hinojosa offered his heartfelt condolences to Wright’s family “and all those who loved and cared for him.”

“Prayers and support show what Wright’s man was like and how much he was loved by many Texans across the state. This loss serves as a tragic reminder that we must remain vigilant in the fight against this deadly virus. ‘

Sen. John Cornyn described Wright as “an enthusiastic public servant and a strong advocate for Texas values, his neighbors in North Texas and a component of the 6th District in Texas. A sixth-generation resident of Taranto County, he was Texans first and foremost, and Put first.

Alan West, president of the Texas Republican Party, said, “Just hearing the news about epRepRonW Wright. The Western family adds to our grief and prayers. “

Tarant County G.O.P. Chairman Rick Barnes calls Wright “a great public servant and therefore a better man. Congressman Ron Wright served his constituents with honor and grace. Ron was a true politician and the most beloved politician in Taranto County. His legacy is that which will live in our hearts for years to come. “

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

The report is co-authored by Todd J. Gilman, chief of the Washington Bureau, and Elizabeth Thompson, a correspondent.