ARLINGTON (WBAP/KLIF) – A United States Congressman from North Texas passed away Sunday after battling cancer and COVID-19, according to a family spokesman.
“Congressman Ron Wright passed away peacefully at the age of 67 on February 7,” a statement from spokesman Matt Langston read. “His wife Susan was by his side and he is now in the presence of their Lord and Savior.”
Langston said that over the past few years, Congressman 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.
“For the previous two weeks, Ron and Susan had been admitted to Baylor Hospital in Dallas after contracting COVID-19,” said Langston. “Congressman Wright will be remembered as a constitutional conservative. He was a statesman, not an ideologue. Ron and Susan dedicated their lives to fighting for individual freedom, Texas values, and above all, the lives of the unborn.”
Those close to the family said the Republican Congressman maintained his quick wit and optimism until the very end.
President Joe Biden released a statement following the Congressman’s death:
Jill and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Ron Wright. A sixth-generation son of Tarrant County, Ron served the people of Arlington as a city councilor, as mayor pro tempore, as a county tax assessor-collector, as a long-time congressional staffer, and as a member of Congress representing the Sixth District.
He was also a fighter who battled bravely against both cancer and COVID-19, diseases that our nation will continue working tirelessly every day to defeat in the memory of all those we have lost. Our prayers are with Ron’s wife, Susan, their three children, and their nine grandchildren.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn expressed condolences following the death of Congressman Wright.
“Ron was a passionate public servant and a strong advocate for Texas values, his neighbors in North Texas, and constituents across Texas’ 6th District,” said Senator Cornyn. “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. My heart goes out to his wife, Susan, and his children and grandchildren, whom I hope find solace in his legacy of service.”
The Texas Democratic Party offered sympathies Congressman’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,” Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said. “This loss serves as a tragic reminder that we must remain vigilant fighting against this deadly virus. To Congressman Wright’s friends, family, and constituents, we are with you today.”
The Republican Party of Texas said it is saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Wright.
“Our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones,” a statement from the Texas GOP read Monday morning.
Texas GOP Chairman Allen West called the Congressman a consummate servant.
“I was blessed to serve with him in our Texas State Guard,” said Chairman West. “He was well respected and a man of impeccable character. The State of Texas has lost a favored son.”
Governor Greg Abbott called Congressman Wright “a principled leader who fought to preserve Texas values and was an exemplary representative of his district.”
“His personal strength and commitment to standing up for the unborn were unwavering,” said Governor Abbott. “He leaves behind a tremendous legacy for future generations of Texans. Cecilia and I send our prayers to Ron’s wife, Susan, his family and loved ones.”
The family asks that they be given time to grieve. Additional information will be available on funeral arrangements and ways to honor Congressman Wright in the days to come.
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