Candidates beginning to emerge in race to replace U.S. Rep. Ron Wright of Arlington

In what could be a quick but competitive contest, candidates to finish the unexpired congressional term of the late Ron Wright are emerging from both political parties. Wright’s widow, Susan Wright, is expected to announce her bid for the District 6 seat as early as Wednesday. The Republican and community activist will be considered a frontrunner in the contest, analysts say, because of her connection to the district. “A lot of people are waiting to see what Susan does,” said Jeremy Bradford, executive director of the Tarrant County Republican Party. “There are people waiting to see if she does go for it. She has a long history of politics on her own.” Tax attorney John Anthony Castro, a Republican who challenged incumbent John Cornyn for Senate in 2020, has already announced his candidacy to replace Wright.

Ron Wright died earlier this month after contracting the coronavirus. He had also battled cancer. The Republican lawmaker’s funeral was Saturday in Fort Worth, and most potential candidates put off getting into the race to replace him until this week. Wright was just beginning a two-year term when he died. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will announce the date of the special election to replace him. It will be an open primary, which means Democrats and Republicans will run in the same field. The top two-finishers will meet in a runoff, if no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote. Along with Susan Wright, Republicans mentioned as potential contenders to succeed Wright include Katrina Pierson, a former adviser to former President Donald Trump, along with state Rep. Jake Ellzey of Ellis County, state Rep. Tony Tinderholt of Arlington, former Health and Human Services Chief of Staff Brian Harrison and former WWE wrestler Dan “Big Dan” Rodimer. Last year, Rodimer lost a congressional race in the state of Nevada.