ALLENTOWN, Pa. — U.S. Rep. Susan Wild has conceded to Republican Ryan Mackenzie in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District race following a close contest in the Lehigh Valley area.
Wild’s concession statement was released Wednesday at 8:43 a.m., acknowledging Mackenzie’s win and committing to a smooth transition.
“There is no sugarcoating it: this is a bitterly disappointing outcome,” Wild stated. “I lost this election, and my opponent won. I congratulate my opponent on winning this seat, and I am going to do everything to ensure a smooth transition, because the people of this District deserve nothing less.”
Wild’s concession follows Mackenzie’s declaration of victory early Wednesday.
As of Wednesday evening, with 99% of votes reported, Mackenzie leads with 50.7% of the vote (200,544 votes), compared to Wild’s 49.3% (195,004 votes), according to The Associated Press. The AP has not yet called the race.
Wild hosted a watch party at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown on election night but did not address the results before the event ended around midnight.
Wild has represented Pennsylvania’s 7th District, which includes Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon counties, since 2018.
In her statement, she highlighted her tenure’s accomplishments, including opening a federal office in Carbon County and securing grants for employment programs in Allentown.
She pledged her support in assisting Mackenzie’s transition into office. Mackenzie will assume the role in January 2025.
