Susan Wild

Provided Biography

Lehigh Valley more than 30 years ago. “I grew up as a true military brat,” Susan has said. Her father served in the United States Air Force, and she lived in Germany, France, Virginia, New Mexico, and different parts of California. Susan’s family lived off base in the local communities, and as challenging as it was to adjust to a new culture with every move, she credits that experience with making her adaptable to change and dedicated to inclusion.

Susan went to college and law school in Washington, D.C., where she began her legal career working toward her goal of becoming a courtroom attorney. When she moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania, she had the opportunity to achieve her dream at a young age. “My whole career has been spent vigorously advocating for people,” she has said. The first person in her family to become a lawyer, Susan put herself through college and law school and went on to earn a reputation as one of the most respected litigators in the Lehigh Valley.

Prior to serving in Congress, Susan tried several cases each year. “I spent months and months understanding what the problem was, what research backed up my client’s position, formulating strategies, and along the way trying to find an acceptable resolution the other side will agree to,” Susan has said, “but if we went to court, I fought to win. Consensus and compromise can be wonderful things, but there are certain times that you just can’t give in.” In 2015, the Allentown City Council unanimously confirmed her appointment to serve as city solicitor, a position that had never been held by a woman before, and accountability and transparency increased under her leadership. She was enjoying her legal career and planning her future when the 2016 election changed everything. “I thought I was going to practice law until retirement and then find a nice piece of land to build an animal rescue on,” said Susan, an animal lover who supports local animal rescue organizations in addition to having served her community on the boards of her local food bank, regional theater, and Jewish Federation. “What catapulted me into [that] race was my deep concern about where this country is headed and what’s going to happen to my kids and to everyone’;s kids, and what kind of world we’re leaving their generation with,” she has said. Susan ran as an underdog in a competitive primary in 2018, and she was proud to have her grown son and daughter by her side when she won the Democratic nomination. She went on to victory in the general election and then two tough reelection fights. She is now serving her third term, and she is a champion for Lehigh Valley families in Congress.