Jules Wright (politician)

Jules Wright was born in Nenana, Alaska, in 1933, and attended the local schools. He had seven siblings, including Gareth and Don. When Jules Wright was approximately 13, his father died, leaving the family business, Wright Truck and Tractor, to his wife and three youngest sons. Jules Wright finished his education in Fairbanks, graduating from Fairbanks High School. He remained in Fairbanks as a trucker for two years before serving in the United States Army. During his military service, Wright was stationed in Fairbanks. After leaving the army, Wright ran a construction business with his brothers, then started another company, Tundra Contracting, in 1966.[1][2] Subsequently, he was involved in the mining industry for a decade, then built and operated the Manley Hot Springs Resort for eight years. By 1993, Wright was an employment rights officer for the Tanana Chiefs Conference.[1]

Wright became involved with the Fairbanks Native Association around 1963, and served as its president before his election to the Alaska House of Representatives.[1][2] As the leader of the association, Wright helped develop and present a proposal to regarding dormitories for Alaskan Native children to the Alaska Legislature's Health, Welfare and Education Committee in February 1966, which led to his decision to mount a campaign of his own later that year.[1][3] His 1966 run for public office was described as a "strong person-to-person" campaign.[4] During his single term as a state representative, Wright was affiliated with the Republican Party and also served on the first convocation of a statewide land claims task force.[5] Wright did not seek reelection to the state house during the 1968 election cycle.[6] During his tenure, Wright voted against a bill regarding mergers of cities and boroughs that ultimately passed the state house in March 1967.[7] That same month, a bill regarding registration of voters passed the Alaska Senate. Prior to the lower house's vote on the legislation, Wright declared his opposition to it.[8] In April, the state house defeated the voter registration bill, with Wright voting against its passage.[9] In February 1968, Wright criticized a bill that would define alcoholism as a disease, and protect alcoholics from criminal charges, fearing that its implementation would lead more people to become alcoholics.[10] Later that month, Wright expressed opposition to a bill sponsored by Don Young to establish a statewide grain incentive program.[11]

In 1976, Wright ran for the Alaska Senate as an independent.[12][13] Jules Wright's campaign was significantly financed by his brother Lawrence Wright, also of Tundra Contracting.[14][15] The unsuccessful campaign was subject to a fine of $60 for turning its financial report in late.[16] In 1984, Jules Wright contested an open primary as a Republican candidate from Manley Hot Springs, Alaska, losing his bid to return to the state house.[17]