Lieutenant Governor-Elect Austin Davis grew up in McKeesport, PA, a city that with less than 18,000 people, still ranks as Allegheny County’s second largest city after Pittsburgh. His mother was a hairdresser for more than 40 years and his father an ATU bus driver. He was a first generation college graduate and understands the hard work and determination of a working class family.
While in high school, Davis founded a Youth Advisory Council under the Mayor at the time, Jim Brewster. The Youth Advisory Council helped combat rising violence amongst young people. These fresh ideas are what Philadelphia needs as we are facing a similar crisis.
In the early days of his career Davis served as County Executive Rich Fitzgerald’s representative on the Jail Oversight Board; the Kane Foundation; the Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Advisory Board; and the Shuman Detention Center Advisory Board. He has shown throughout his career that he is committed to bettering the lives of Pennsylvanians.
In 2018, Davis ran for the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives to represent the Mon Valley and his hometown of McKeesport. He won the election and was sworn in on February 5, 2018 – making him the first African American to serve as state representative for PA’s 35th Legislative District, he became one of only four African American lawmakers to represent a majority-white district. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, Climate Caucus, PA SAFE Caucus, and more.
On January 4, 2022, in his hometown of McKeesport, Davis announced he would be running for Lieutenant Governor. During his announcement he promised Pennsylvanians that he would focus on creating family sustaining jobs and a quality education for all.
While on the campaign trail, Davis impressed constituents. After meeting Davis in September, Southwest CDC Executive Director Donna Henry stated “The Lieutenant Governor candidate is very personable and down to earth. I was impressed with how comfortable he was talking to people he just met.”
On November 8, 2022, Democrats Josh Shapiro and Austin Davis defeated Republicans Doug Mastriano and Carrie DelRosso and won their respective seats as Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.
Davis brings many different perspectives to the table. He is young at only 32 years old and brings fresh ideas and a youthful perspective that is often lacking in politics. Davis comes from a working class family and understands the struggles many Pennsylvanians face on a daily basis. He will become Pennsylvania’s first Black lieutenant governor once sworn in on January 17, 2023.
