Texans are mourning the loss of Congressman Ron Wright, a dedicated family man and public servant who is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Today, Wright’s office announced he passed away peacefully on Sunday at the age of 67, with his wife Susan at his side. Wright had been battling lung cancer since 2018, and he and his wife were both hospitalized two weeks ago after contracting COVID-19.
The North Texas conservative Republican was known for his wit, warmth, and work ethic; his optimism and patriotism; and his quirky bow ties. Wright was a tireless champion of preborn babies and an advocate for property tax transparency.
“Ron remained stoic in the face of his health challenges and incredibly upbeat about the future of the state and the nation he loved so much,” his spokesman said:
Ron and 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. Despite years of painful, sometimes debilitating treatment for cancer, Ron never lacked the desire to get up and go to work, to motivate those around him, or to offer fatherly advice.
Wright’s family and staff asked for time to grieve and said information on funeral arrangements and ways to honor Ron would be available in the days to come.
“We lost one of the good guys when we lost Ron Wright,” said Delores Pell, a longtime conservative Republican activist in Tarrant County. “He was a wonderful man, a patriot, and a loving husband to his beloved Susan and a proud father. Ron will be sorely missed and remembered for his kindness and sweet nature and love of country.”
In 2020, Wright was elected to a second term in the U.S. House of Representatives serving the 6th Congressional District, which includes parts of Fort Worth and Arlington in Tarrant County, as well as all of Ellis and Navarro counties.
Before his election to Congress in 2018, Wright served for several years as Tarrant County’s tax assessor-collector and worked tirelessly to help Texans understand their property taxes. He also served on the Arlington City Council.
“He helped us fight the red-light cameras in Tarrant County,” said Kelly Canon, a conservative leader in Arlington. “This breaks my heart.”
“What a huge loss for Texas,” added conservative leader Toni Fabry. “I remember his video he put together to help folks understand property taxes and where they originate from.”
“I am saddened and shocked to learn of Ron Wright’s death,” True Texas Project CEO Julie McCarty told Texas Scorecard. “He stood strong for conservative principles for decades. How many times does a tax collector get standing ovations from the people? Ron did. Tarrant County grieves today.”
“Ron was a friend, a statesman, and a shining example of the courage an elected official could have in fighting for life, liberty, and property rights for all,” said Joel Starnes, another Tarrant County conservative leader. “His love for Jesus and people was always on display. “
“He will be missed.”
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4: 8-9
