By Hallie Jacobs, Local News 21
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa (WHP) — 32-year-old Austin Davis is making history as Pennsylvania’s first Black Lieutenant Governor.
As Josh Shapiro’s running mate, Austin Davis will become the highest-ranking Black elected official in the state.
“As your next lieutenant governor, I’ll always be your champion,” said Austin Davis.
Davis, the son of a union bus driver and a hairdresser, said he never saw this coming. Sponsored Links The US States People Are Fleeing And The Ones They Are Moving To Forbes
“I don’t think my grandparents ever thought or ever imagined that their grandson would be elected to the second highest office in this commonwealth,” explained Davis.
He was in his third term serving his community in Harrisburg in the House of Representatives and as a member of the Legislative Black Caucus.
State Representative Donna Bullock and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chair said, “For us, particularly as members of the Black Caucus, to see one of our own ascend into a statewide position representing the values and interests of the black community.”
As he switches into his new role, Bullock looks at what PLBC wants him to accomplish.
“We want to make sure that he continues to carry on, I think the legacy of John Fetterman and the legacy of others that came before him to make sure that we are looking at those appeals for clemency and his appeals for parole with empathy,” she said.
Kadida Kenner, CEO of New Pennsylvania Project also jumped in with a few suggestions.
“I’d also like to see the example of our first black lieutenant governor to make sure that we have equally funded schools here in Pennsylvania, that no school you know, if it’s in Allison Hill, is any different than one that could be accessible in a township,” said Kenner.
They also have several suggestions for the Black community.
“I hope that he is someone that is in our governor’s ear, whose voice is valued, so that we can raise the issues that matter to Black Pennsylvanians, issues that range from black maternal health to gun violence, to environmental justice,” continued Bullock.
They hope it sets a precedent for generations to come.
“Anyone’s electable if you vote for them, and that you shouldn’t be afraid to put somebody on a ticket,” Kenner explained.
“Austin Davis may be the first black lieutenant governor, but he surely is not going to be the last,” finished Bullock.
On January 17, 2023, Austin Davis will be sworn in as Lieutenant Governor, and a special election will be held to fill his seat.