67-year-old Rep. Ron Wright (R-TX) died from COVID-19 on Sunday night, according to Fox News and the Dallas Morning News. He is the first sitting congressman to pass away from the virus.
“Congressman Wright will be remembered as a constitutional conservative. He was a statesman, not an ideologue,” the GOP lawmaker’s office said in a statement to the Dallas Morning News. “Ron and [Wright’s wife Susan] dedicated their lives to fighting for individual freedom, Texas values, and above all, the lives of the unborn. As friends, family, and many of his constituents will know, Ron maintained his quick wit and optimism until the very end.”
Wright, who was also battling lung cancer at the time of his death, is the first member of Congress to succumb to COVID-19 while in office. Congressman-elect Luke Letlow (R-LA) died from complications from the virus in December, before he was sworn in.
The Texas Republican announced on January 21 that he had tested positive for COVID-19 after coming in contact with someone with the virus during the previous week.
There have been several infections among members of Congress in the past month, some of which came after lawmakers were forced to shelter together during the Capitol siege on January 6. Some Republicans refused to wear masks while they were holed up with their colleagues.
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
Fake news? Another hoax? I think not.
Tots and pears.
The Chinese flu is a bitch. RIP.
May he Rest In Peace. I hope, but do not expect, that his death will be a sobering example to his colleagues on the Republican side of the house.
I’m struck by the fact that this is the first I’ve heard of his illness. I wonder how many other Republican congresspeople or staffers have been ill. Dem reps announce right way- although I’m not confident we’re getting a full tally on staffers- while GQP’s policy of covid denial means they avoid making any announcement unless the have to.