AUSTIN — The Republican Party of Texas would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Clymer Wright, long-time Republican Party activist from Houston.

Chairman Steve Munisteri issued the following statement in response to the news this afternoon of his passing: “I met Clymer Wright when I was a high school student, and he was one of the early supporters of Ronald Reagan in the 1976 Presidential primary. He was one the key state leaders of the 1976 Texas Presidential primary bid of Ronald Reagan. Clymer, along with former RPT State Chairman Ray Barnhart, former RNC Committeeman Ernie Angelo, former State Senator Betty Andujar, and banker Jimmy Lyons, composed the core of the state leadership team which was responsible for Reagan winning the 1976 Texas primary which kept him in the 1976 race, and set the stage for him winning the nomination in 1980. In addition to his support of Reagan, I remember Clymer’s generosity as he provided free office space for the group I founded, Young Conservatives of Texas, and when he was in position to, he never hesitated to contribute money when asked to conservative causes. In later years, he was a champion for term limits. I was greatly saddened to learn of his loss today, he will be missed.”