Texas Republican Ron Wright died Sunday after battling Covid-19 in the hospital, his office said on Monday. He was 67 years old.
Mr Wright announced on Jan. 21 that he tested positive for the coronavirus after coming into contact with someone who had the virus earlier this month. The statement on Mr. Wright’s death in his office said he and his wife Susan had both been hospitalized in Dallas for two weeks.
The statement did not confirm whether the virus caused the death of Mr Wright, who had also undergone cancer treatment.
He is the first seated member of Congress to die after battling the virus. Luke Letlow, a Louisiana Republican elected in November, died days before he was due to be sworn in.
“Congressman Wright will be remembered as a constitutional conservative,” the congressman’s office said in a statement. “He was a statesman, not an ideologist.”
“As friends, family and many of his constituents will know, Ron kept his quick wit and optimism to the end,” the statement continued. “Despite years of painful, sometimes debilitating, cancer treatment, Ron never lacked the desire to get up and go to work, motivate those around him, or give fatherly advice.”
Mr. Wright, a sixth generation Tarrant County resident, has represented the Sixth Congressional District of Texas since 2018. As a former city council member, he was a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.
Representative Joaquin Castro, Democrat of Texas, said on Twitter that Mr. Wright was “a gentleman deeply interested in public service.”
California representative Kevin McCarthy, the minority leader, said Monday that Mr. Wright was a colleague who “led with principle, integrity and thoughtfulness” and “imitated the best of America.”
Prior to taking office in Congress, Mr. Wright was Chief of Staff to his predecessor, Representative Joe Barton.
“Not only was Ron a dedicated civil servant, a principled conservative, and a proud Texan, he was also a loving father and grandfather,” said Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, in a statement. “Ron’s life is a testament to his unwavering faith and now he rests with the Lord after fighting the good fight, ending the race, and keeping the faith.”
Spokeswoman Nancy Pelosi said members of Congress prayed for Mr. Wright’s family and the loved ones of the more than 460,000 Americans who have died from the virus.
“May it be comfort to Congressman Wright’s wife Susan, their children Rachel, Derek, and Justin, their nine grandchildren, and the entire Wright family that so many mourn their loss and pray for them at this sad time,” said you.
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