Congressman Ron Wright Award
For Conservative Legislative Leadership
Biennial Award • Texas Republican Assembly
2026 Recipient
The Honorable Bill Zedler
Former State Representative
Bill Zedler's nearly two decades of service in the Texas House mirrors Ron Wright's deep commitment to Arlington and Tarrant County. Both men were constitutional conservatives who prioritized principle over politics, both were unwavering defenders of life, and both dedicated themselves to serving their community with integrity and conviction. Like Ron Wright, Bill Zedler never sought the spotlight—he simply showed up, did the work, and fought for the values that matter most to Texas families. His lifetime of service, from the battlefields of Vietnam to the halls of the Texas Capitol, exemplifies the steadfast conservative leadership that the Ron Wright Award was created to honor.
A Lifetime of Conservative Leadership
- Texas House of Representatives (18 Years) – Served District 96 (Arlington) from 2003-2021, representing his community with unwavering conservative principles
- Vietnam War Veteran – Served as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service as a hospital personnel officer
- Active Since the Reagan Era – Volunteering in Republican politics since 1976, working every election cycle since Ronald Reagan ran for president
- Arlington Community Leader – Like Ron Wright, deeply rooted in the Arlington community, serving the same constituents with dedication and principle
- Conservative Coalition Leader – Board member of the bipartisan Texas Conservative Coalition, recognized as one of the most conservative members of the Texas Legislature
- Pro-Life Champion – Consistently defended the sanctity of life throughout his legislative career, earning recognition from pro-life organizations statewide
- Second Amendment Defender – Endorsed by the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association for his steadfast protection of constitutional gun rights
- Limited Government Advocate – Fought tirelessly to cut government waste, reduce spending, and protect individual liberty from government overreach
- Grassroots Republican Leader – Served as precinct chairman, election judge, poll watcher, and on credentials and platform committees at district and state conventions
- Award-Winning Conservative – Recipient of the Courageous Conservative Award, Defender of the American Dream Award, Advocacy Tribute Award, and Face of Courage Award
- Educational Background – Earned his MBA from Sam Houston State University in 1967 before entering military service
About the Ron Wright Award
The Ron Wright Award honors exceptional leaders who exemplify constitutional conservatism, unwavering dedication to Texas values, and a lifetime of service to their communities. This prestigious biennial recognition celebrates individuals who demonstrate the principles that defined Congressman Ron Wright's remarkable career: integrity, principle over politics, and tireless advocacy for the people they serve.
Named after the late Congressman Ron Wright of Arlington, who served Texas's 6th Congressional District with distinction while courageously battling cancer, this award recognizes leaders who embody his commitment to defending life, protecting individual freedom, and championing conservative principles at every level of government.
Recipients demonstrate a proven track record of conservative leadership, deep roots in their communities, and the courage to stand firm on principle even when facing adversity. Like Ron Wright himself, honorees are constitutional conservatives who prioritize substance over spectacle and the needs of their constituents above personal ambition.
In Memory of Congressman Ron Wright (1953-2021)
A sixth-generation North Texan, Ron Wright dedicated his life to public service in Arlington and Tarrant County. From the Arlington City Council to Mayor Pro Tem, from Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector to United States Congressman, Ron represented his community with great pride and tirelessly advocated for Texas at every opportunity. His colleagues from both parties remembered him as a statesman who served with passion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to defending the unborn and protecting constitutional principles. "Arlington, Texas loved Ron, and Ron loved Arlington," a sentiment that captures the deep connection between this humble servant-leader and the community he called home.