Wright was born in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from Victoria High School in 1966, and received a B.A. degree in political science from Old Dominion University in 1970.
Wright was elected to the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors in 1993 and 1997. He served as chairman 1995–1997.
State Senator Richard J. Holland died on April 16, 2000. He was succeeded in office by 61st district Delegate Frank Ruff, who won a special election on November 7, 2000. Wright received the Republican nomination to replace Ruff, and won the seat in another special election on December 19.
Wright has served on the House committees on Agriculture (2001), Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (2002–), Claims (2001), Conservation and Natural Resources (2001), Counties, Cities and Towns (2001), General Laws (2002–), Militia and Police (2001), and Militia, Police and Public Safety (2002–).
