Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), a three-term incumbent, has conceded to Republican challenger state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in Pennsylvania’s Seventh Congressional District in a race key for House control.
“It is of utmost importance that I first state what should be obvious: 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.”
With 99 percent of votes counted at the time of publication, The Associated Press has yet to call the race, with Mackenzie holding a 1.4-point lead.
Also on the economy, Mackenzie echoed former President Donald Trump’s positions of no taxes on Social Security and tips.
On Ukraine, Wild said the United States should continue to support the country, while Mackenzie called for a “peaceful resolution,” though he called Russia’s 2022 invasion “an atrocity.”
On Israel, Wild and Mackenzie condemned the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and called for the release of the remaining Israeli hostages.
Wild called for a diplomatic solution to the war, while Mackenzie accused Wild of being on both sides of the fence.
When it comes to firearms policy, Wild said universal background checks should be mandatory, while Mackenzie said that mental health records should be part of the background check system—all while protecting the Second Amendment.
On abortion, Mackenzie said he is opposed to banning the practice on the federal level. He is pro-life with exceptions for the mother’s life in danger, rape and incest. He also expressed support for IVF and mandating insurance providers to cover contraception.
Wild said abortion is none of the government’s business.
Finally, on immigration, Wild supported a bipartisan bill blocked earlier in the year by Senate Republicans that would have required the president to close the border if there were 5,000 illegal entrants in a day.
Mackenzie said he is for a border wall and is opposed to sanctuary cities.
