Collin County Pct. 4 Constable Joe Wright is one of an estimated 3,301 Texans, including eight elected officials, listed by the Anti-Defamation League as belonging to the Oath Keepers at one time.
The ADL cautions that inclusion on that list does not necessarily mean current affiliation or any allegiance to the group's ideology.
Wright prepared a statement, disavowing the organization.
The statement reads:
"I do not agree with or support any extremist groups or individuals who take subversive actions against our government. In 2011, as a new candidate, I was invited to reaffirm my commitment to uphold my oath of office should I be elected. At the time, I believed the Oath Keepers existed only to encourage elected officials to honor their oath of office, follow the law and to uphold the Texas and U.S. Constitution. I never directly engaged with, communicated with, nor attended any of their meetings during that time, or any other time, nor did I ever renew my membership. I swore an official oath to protect and defend the Constitution and laws of this state, and the United States, and I shall continue to do so. I will not be answering any more questions on this issue as I have no involvement with this association, or anyone connected to this association, whatsoever."
Wright is not on the November ballot. His term does not expire until 2024.
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