Texas Republican Rep. Ron Wright, 67, has died, becoming the first member of Congress to die after a coronavirus diagnosis.
The two-term congressman’s office confirmed his death to Texas media on Monday morning. He had been sick with cancer, a heightened risk factor for those who contract COVID-19, for years when he tested positive for the coronavirus on Jan. 21.
“Ron Wright was a fighter who passionately served his constituents, Texas, and America,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the top Republican in the House. “He emulated the very best of America, and we were fortunate to have had the opportunity to call him a colleague and a friend.”
President Biden said the congressman “battled bravely against both cancer and COVID-19,” and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that lawmakers were “united in sorrow.”
Dozens of members of the House and Senate have contracted the coronavirus, but each has recovered.
Congressman-elect Luke Letlow from Louisiana died last year, between the election and the time he was to be sworn in, after contracting the disease. Members of state legislatures have also died after COVID-19 diagnoses.
Mr. Wright cast his last vote on the floor of the House on Jan. 13, voting against impeaching President Trump.
He announced his positive test about a week later. He said he’d come in contact with someone infected and had been in quarantine since Jan. 15, with his own positive test coming Jan. 21. At the time, he said his symptoms were minor and said he was working from home.
“Congressman Wright will be remembered as a constitutional conservative. He was a statesman, not an ideologue,” his office said in a statement.
His wife, Susan, also had contracted the disease, and they were both in the hospital together. She was at his side when he died, his office said.
Mr. Wright’s district is based in Arlington, Texas.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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