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Who is Susan Wright? 'Disgusting' robocall falsely claims Texas GOP candidate 'murdered' husband Ron Wright

Ron Wright had died of Covid-19 in February, but someone has been spreading rumors he was killed by his wife for insurance money

Republican congressional candidate Susan Wright has been falsely accused of killing her husband, the late Rep Ron Wright day before her special election. Supporters reported receiving robocalls that accused her of being responsible for the death of her late husband. Wright's campaign has now notified the FBI and Justice Department and is seeking help in tracing the accuser after it learned of the calls on April 30 morning. 

Susan is running for Texas' 6th Congressional District, the seat vacated by her husband after his death in February. Ron died of Covid-19, but the caller alleges that Susan "murdered her husband. She’s now running for Congress to cover it up." The accusations could have a serious impact on Susan's chances, given that 23 candidates are competing for the seat. Nonetheless, she is widely expected to win given an endorsement from former president Donald Trump. Here's everything we know about Susan and her campaign.

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Who is Susan Wright?

Susan has held various offices at a local level in the past. She graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1984 with a degree in Business Administration, before going to work in several administrative roles. Initially, she was a secretary at Manpower Professional between 1990 and 1991, before moving to The Washington Consulting Group. Susan spent 17 years here, before working at CNI Industries between 2008 and 2017.

She then moved into public service, serving as the District Director for Reps. Bill Zelder and David Cook. Alongside this, she also served on several boards and commissions like the Arlington Transportation Advisory Committee and Ft. Worth Community Development Council and Tarrant County Crime Commission. Now, she's campaigning to replace her husband. Not only has she been endorsed by multiple Republican groups but Susan has also received the blessings of Trump. 

In late April, Trump said in a statement, "Susan Wright will be a terrific Congresswoman (TX-06) for the Great State of Texas. Susan has my Complete and Total Endorsement!"

In February, both Susan and Ron were hospitalized with Covid-19 and weeks later Ron became the first sitting member of Congress to die from the virus. He is survived by Susan and their three children. 

Allegations of murder

It is unclear when the alleged robocalls first started but the campaign became aware of them only on April 30. The special election to replace Ron is scheduled for Saturday, May 1.  The caller, a female claims to have "confidential sources" and added that she took out a "$1 million, life insurance policy on the life of her husband, the late Congressman alone writes, six months before his death."

The call goes on to claim that the hospital where Ron died "has made a formal criminal referral to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and they have now opened a formal criminal inquiry into the matter," before concluding, "It is clear that the voters of Texas’ 6th Congressional District deserve to know the truth about Susan Wright and her involvement in the death of her husband."

The campaign has hit back hard at the accusations. In a statement to CBS, Susan said, "This is illegal, immoral, and wrong. There’s not a sewer too deep that some politicians won’t plumb. Imagine it: someone is attacking my late husband, the love of my life, a man who gave me such joy in life." Republican strategist Matt Langston, who is helping on the campaign also tweeted about the issue. "Absolutely disgusted by this voicemail - easily the most despicable smear I've seen in all my years of politics.  Why do @SusanWrightTX6 opponents lie and cheat? We're cooperating with law enforcement and someone go to jail over this" he said. 

Susan has also received the support of many of her challengers, like former Trump official Brian Harrison and Jake Ellzey, both Republican candidates.