Gayle Wright

Originally from Port Huron, Michigan, Wright attended Port Huron Northern High School, graduating in 1969.^[3] She 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 second with 39.1%.^[6]

In 2002, Wright was named to the PoliticsPA list of Best Dressed Legislators.^[9]

She lost the 2002 Democratic primary election to Florindo Fabrizio.^[10]

Wright was elected as a delegate to the 2004 and 2008 Democratic National Convention.^[3]