Gayle M. Wright (born 1951) is a former Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.[3][4]
Gayle M. Wright | |
---|---|
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 2nd district | |
In office September 5, 2001[1] – November 30, 2002[2] | |
Preceded by | Italo Cappabianca |
Succeeded by | Florindo Fabrizio |
Personal details | |
Born | 1951 Port Huron, Michigan |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse(s) | Donald E. Wright, Jr. |
Children | 2 children |
Alma mater | University of Akron |
Originally from Port Huron, Michigan,[5] Wright earned a degree in education from the University of Akron and pursued graduate studies in correctional counseling at Gannon University.[5]
Prior to elective office, she taught high school and middle school in Erie, Pennsylvania.[5] She also served three terms on the Erie City Council, and was elected as city council president in 1997.[5]
Wright was subsequently elected to represent the 2nd legislative district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in a special election on August 14, 2001, following the May 2001 death of Italo Cappabianca.[6] She won a controversial endorsement by the local Democratic Committee over Cappabianca's widow, Linda.[7] Cappabianca decided against mounting a formal write-in campaign, citing time constraints, but encouraged voters to write her in as an independent candidate.[8] Wright won the August 14 contest with 48.2% of the vote, with Cappabianca placing a strong second with 39.1%.[9]
In 2002, Wright was named to the PoliticsPA list of Best Dressed Legislators.[10]
She lost the 2002 Democratic primary election to Florindo Fabrizio.[11]