About Susan Wild

I share a special connection with Congresswoman Susan Wild that I would love to share with you as you think about helping on her campaign from afar.

Susan represents Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District – the Lehigh Valley in eastern Pennsylvania.  It is the region to which my ancestors came and settled in the early 1700s from Germany.  Because they spoke German (“Deutsche”)– they became known as the Pennsylvania “Dutch.”  My grandfather was editor of the area newspaper for 50 years. My mother was one of the first women ever elected to countywide office and the first female chair of the Board of County Commissioners.  In her later years, my mom loved helping talented women who expressed interest in running for office, including Susan Wild. 

Though my Mom missed by just two years the chance to see Susan elected to be the first woman to ever serve the Lehigh Valley in the US House of Representatives, I know what she would have said – “FINALLY!”

With this history, our family has been involved, from afar, in Susan’s campaigns – in 2018 and now.  I’ve followed her work in Congress, and know from her help for my father, who is still in the area, that she works hard for her constituents. 

The Lehigh Valley has changed lots since I was born there.  It is far more diverse.  There are many fewer farms and less manufacturing.  What has not changed, however, is its need for strong representation in Congress.  

Susan has a big challenge on her hands as she runs for re-election for the first time.  Her opponent a self-financed, Trump-supported woman.  It’s an important seat to keep – Trump has already come to the district to rally support for her opponent!   Any help you can give Susan would be amazing!

- Shelley Geballe, JD, MPH
Shelley Geballe is an Assistant Professor of Public Health Practice at the Yale School of Public Health and a Clinical Lecturer in Law at Yale Law School