WASHINGTON – Texas Republican Ron Wright, who tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after the Capitol riots, has died.
Wright is the first member of Congress to die from the disease during the pandemic. He was 67 years old and had previously battled lung cancer.
Elected in 2018, Texas’s 6th congressional district representative had experienced what was described as “minor symptoms” following his COVID-19 announcement over two weeks ago.
Wright was advised to quarantined January 21st, but said at the time he felt okay and would continue working.
“I encourage everyone to keep following CDC guidelines and want to thank all the medical professionals on the front lines who fight this virus head-on every single day.” Wright said in a statement at the time.
The Congressman died Sunday night. Both Wright and his wife, Susan, had been admitted to Baylor University Medical Center due to side effects two weeks ago.
Last month, congressman-elect Luke Letlow died following a COVID-19 battle. Wright is the first active sitting member of the House to die of the disease.
