He credits community investment in Medicaid, food stamps, and public schools for helping his family escape the cycle of poverty.

[8] During his military career, he served as Chief, Rule of Law in Afghanistan, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star.

He fought forest fires in Oregon, and worked on the conversion of a coal plant at the Elmendorf Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska to less-polluting natural gas.

[9] Prior to his election, Wilde served as the Executive Director of the Lane County Medical Society where he worked to help improve access to care for patients on the Oregon Health Plan.

[12] Wilde's legislative goals include advocating for public schools, a clean environment, a fair tax system,[6] education, healthcare, and housing.