Vermont leaders gather to honor former House Speaker Ralph Wright

Friday, October 9, 2026 at 9:30 PM

Wright represented Bennington and served as speaker from 1985 to 1995.

Past and present Vermont lawmakers came together Friday at the Vermont Statehouse to pay tribute to Ralph Wright, who led the Vermont House for a decade and died in Florida in June at age 91.

Wright, who represented Bennington and served as speaker from 1985 to 1995, was known as a blunt and forceful Democrat with a style some saw as imported from Boston and Massachusetts politics. His tenure often put him at odds with former Gov. Howard Dean, though supporters said his drive helped move major issues forward.

Dean described Wright as a difficult but highly effective leader whose approach was unusual for Vermont yet instrumental in getting legislation passed. Former Vermont journalist Chris Graff said Wright’s background as a Marine, his Irish Catholic identity, and his connection to Massachusetts politics were only part of the story, adding that Wright’s main motivation was to use public office to help others.

Dean also said Wright was the most capable speaker in Vermont history.