Davis sworn in as state’s first Black Lieutenant Governor
With the swearing in of Austin Davis Tuesday, Pennsylvania has its first Black lieutenant governor, who is also the youngest lieutenant governor currently serving in the nation at age 33.
The son of a union bus driver and hairdresser, native of Western Pennsylvania and a first-generation college graduate, Davis joins a growing group of leaders of color serving as their states’ second-highest executive, according to a Tuesday afternoon news release from Davis’ office.
“Today we are sending a message to the next generation of leaders — young people across our state, and especially Black and brown young people — that Pennsylvania has and will always be a place where all are welcomed and where everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” Davis said. “No matter how you grew up, no matter where you come from, or what you look like — this commonwealth will always be a place where you can create your own destiny.”
Prior to being running-mate to Gov. Josh Shapiro, Davis lobbied the mayor of McKeesport to create a youth advisory council to combat gun violence in the area. He then went on to work for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.
In 2018, Davis joined the legislative body, where he had worked just a few years before, winning a special election to the state House, becoming the first Black legislator to represent his majority-white district. He chaired the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation and was the vice chair of the House Democratic Policy Committee, according to the news release.
