Jules Wright (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jules Wright
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Wright in 1976
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| Member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 16th district |
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| In office January 23, 1967 – January 27, 1969 Serving with Tury Anderson, Mike Bradner, John Holm, Terry Miller, Ed Orbeck, Don Young
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| Preceded by | Multi-member district |
| Succeeded by | Multi-member district |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jules Winslow Wright
August 21, 1933 Nenana, Alaska |
| Died | January 11, 2022 (aged 88) Wasilla, Alaska |
| Political party | Republican |
| Relatives | Don Wright (brother) Ramy Brooks (grand-nephew) |
Jules Winslow Wright (born August 21, 1933 – died January 11, 2022) was an American businessman and politician. He was from Alaska and served in the state's government.
Early Life and Business Adventures
Jules Wright was born in Nenana, Alaska, on August 21, 1933. He was one of seven sons born to Arthur and Myrtle Wright, who were missionaries. His family was known as the "Alaskan Wright Brothers." This was a nod to the famous inventors, Orville and Wilbur Wright.
Jules grew up in Nenana and went to local schools. When he was a teenager, his father passed away. His mother and three youngest sons took over the family business, Wright Truck and Tractor. Jules finished high school in Fairbanks.
After school, he worked as a trucker for two years. Then, he joined the United States Army. He was stationed in Fairbanks during his military service. After the army, Jules started a construction business with his brothers. In 1966, he began his own company called Tundra Contracting. For ten years, he worked in the mining industry. Later, he owned and ran the Manley Hot Springs resort for eight years. By 1993, he worked to protect employment rights for the Tanana Chiefs Conference.
Becoming a Politician
Jules Wright became involved with the Fairbanks Native Association around 1963. He served as its president. As a leader, he helped create a plan for dormitories for Alaskan Native children. He presented this idea to the Alaska Legislature in February 1966. This led him to decide to run for office himself.
His campaign in 1966 was very personal. He talked to many people one-on-one. He was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives. During his time as a state representative, he was part of the Republican Party. He also helped with a group that looked into land claims across the state. Jules Wright did not run for reelection in 1968.
While in office, Wright voted on important bills. For example, he voted against a bill about cities and boroughs joining together. He also opposed a bill about voter registration. This bill was eventually defeated in the state house.
In 1976, Wright ran for the Alaska Senate. He ran as an independent candidate. His brother, Lawrence Wright, helped fund his campaign. He did not win this election. In 1984, he tried again to return to the state house. He ran as a Republican from Manley Hot Springs, Alaska but was not successful.
Family and Later Years
Jules Wright married Marge in 1952. They had three children together: two sons named Robert and Allen, and a daughter named Julie Anderson. In his later years, Jules lived in Wasilla, Alaska. He passed away there on January 11, 2022, at the age of 88.
