WASHINGTON — Rep. Ron Wright, R-Texas, died Sunday after having been hospitalized for Covid-19, his office said Monday.
Wright had also been battling cancer.
"Congressman Ron Wright passed away peacefully at the age of 67," his office said in a statement Monday. It added, "For the previous two weeks, Ron and [his wife] Susan had been admitted to Baylor Hospital in Dallas after contracting Covid-19."
A spokesman said Wright "passed away from health complications following his COVID-19 diagnosis."
Wright, who was re-elected to a second term in November, died a little more than two weeks after he tested positive for the coronavirus, on Jan. 21. At the time, he said in a statement that he had been "experiencing minor symptoms, but overall, I feel okay," and that he would continue working from home.
The House held a brief moment of silence for Wright on Monday afternoon during a pro forma session, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., presiding.
Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said in a statement Monday that Wright "emulated the very best of America, and we were fortunate to have had the opportunity to call him a colleague and a friend."
"Our hearts are heavy with the news of Ron's passing. Judy and I send our heartfelt prayers to Susan and their children during this very difficult time," he said.
Wright was hospitalized in September because of complications from cancer treatment, The Texas Tribune reported.
"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," his office said Monday.
Wright represented Texas' 6th Congressional District. He was a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Education and Labor Committee. The last time Wright voted on the House floor was Jan. 13, according to the House clerk.
Rep.-elect Luke Letlow, R-La., died from Covid-19 in late December, just a few days before the start of the new Congress. A number of lawmakers have tested positive over the last year, but most have recovered.
