Born in Murrayville, Illinois, Wright served in the United States Army during World War I.

[3] In 1936, he ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for one of Illinois' at-large congressional seats.

[3] Rather than seek reelection as treasurer in 1942, he instead ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for United States Senate.

[3] Rather than seek reelection as treasurer in 1956, he instead ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for governor of Illinois.

[3] In his final campaign for office, Wright ran in the 1960 Republican primary for United States Senate.