Texas Republican Representative Ron Wright died on Sunday, about two weeks after his contract COVID-19. Wright, the first sitting member of Congress to die from the virus, also underwent treatment for cancer for years, according to a statement from his office.
“Congressman Ron Wright passed away peacefully on February 7, 2021 at the age of 67. His wife Susan was by his side and he is now in the presence of their Lord and Savior,” the statement said.
For the past two weeks, he and his wife, Susan Wright, were at Baylor Hospital in Dallas after both were diagnosed with COVID-19. On January 21, Wright released a statement announcing that he had tested positive after coming into contact with someone who had the disease a week earlier.
When he announced his diagnosis, Wright was quarantined and described his symptoms as “minor.” “I feel fine and will continue to work from home for the people of the 6th district this week,” he said.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Wright’s office said he had maintained a “strict work schedule” on the House floor and at home during his cancer treatment, saying he had fought in particular for “individual freedom, Texas values and especially for the lives of the unborn.”
Wright first won the 6th district seat in 2018 after longtime Congressman Joe Barton retired. The district includes Arlington, part of Fort Worth, and areas south of Dallas-Fort Worth.
Although Wright is the first sitting congressman to die after contracting the virus, congressman-elect Luke Letlow also died in late December, days before taking office. He was 41.
Kathryn Watson contributed to this report.