In the 2018 midterm election, two GW Law graduates won spots in the 116th United States Congress. The swearing-in ceremony took place on January 3, 2019.
Darren Soto, JD ‘04, was re-elected as the US Representative for Florida's 9th Congressional District. Mr. Soto graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Economics before attending GW Law in 2000. He says his studies at GW Law gave him the understanding of the law he needed to become a prolific legislator and an idea of what it takes to succeed. He also developed lifelong supporters as friends.
“My advice for any current law student looking to pursue a career in politics is to get involved early in campaigns, either for a candidate who well represents your values or with a policy issue that you are passionate about. I started my career in campaigns as well, those experiences and connections propelled me to where I am today.”
Mr. Soto became the first person of Puerto Rican descent from Florida to be elected to Congress in 2016.
Susan Wild, JD ‘82, was elected as the US Representative for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. She also won the special election for the 15th Congressional District to complete the term of retired Congressman Charlie Dent. Ms. Wild came to GW Law in 1979 after graduating from American University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Psychology.
She shared that her law school experience gave her a wonderful educational base for her professional life as an attorney and that her career as an attorney was a cornerstone of her platform for Congress. “GW Law gave me a solid foundation for my legal career, and the school’s location in the hub of our nation’s capital inspired me to eventually return to Washington to be a part of our government.”
For anyone seeking a career in politics, Ms. Wild recommends getting involved with local League of Women Voters, local groups that are devoted to political matters, and volunteering with a local elected official or candidate. Then, run for local office at the municipal or state level. “Get involved as early as you can.”
Ms. Wild is one of forty-two newly elected women in Congress and is the mother of current GW Law student, Clay Wild, Class of 2020.