GOP challenger unseats Rep. Susan Wild in Pennsylvania

Republican Pennsylvania House candidate Ryan Mackenzie has emerged victorious in the state’s 7th Congressional District race, defeating incumbent Democratic Rep. Susan Wild. Wild conceded the race in a post on X early on Wednesday, marking the end of her tenure representing Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, which includes counties such as Carbon, Lehigh, and Northampton.

Wild, who has been in office since 2018, faced a tough re-election battle by her own party this cycle. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had identified the district as vulnerable to Republican defeat heading into the election cycle earlier this year. Wild ran on a platform of protecting access to abortion, fighting LGBT discrimination, affordable housing, and investing in infrastructure. She was backed by President Biden and has voted for legislation supported by him 100% of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight data.

On the other hand, Mackenzie campaigned on securing the U.S. border, energy independence, cutting taxes, and trimming government spending. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Mackenzie earlier this year, highlighting his support for the Republican candidate. Mackenzie, who currently serves in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, has held his seat since 2012 and navigated redistricting changes.

Wild’s re-election bids have been challenging since the 2022 cycle, when redistricting included votes from Republican-friendly Carbon County. The Democratic House member faced criticism earlier this year when she remarked that she “might have to school” rural Trump voters to win their support. In a Zoom call, Wild expressed dismay at the inclusion of a county that she felt had shifted towards supporting Trump.

Despite the controversy surrounding her comments, Wild later apologized “to anyone I may have offended.” Pennsylvania played a crucial role as a battleground state in the presidential race this cycle, with both Trump and Biden securing victories in different election years. Mackenzie’s win in the 7th Congressional District race adds another layer to the state’s political landscape.

The race between Mackenzie and Wild underscores the competitive nature of Pennsylvania politics and the shifting dynamics within the state. With Mackenzie’s victory, the balance of power in the 7th Congressional District will soon transition, reflecting the evolving priorities and preferences of constituents in the region. As Mackenzie prepares to take office, the focus will now shift to his legislative agenda and priorities for representing the district effectively.