In addition to the inauguration of Governor Josh Shapiro, earlier this week also marked an historic milestone for another state office.
The official introduction of new lieutenant governor Austin Davis, former state representative from Pittsburgh, marks the first time that office has been held by an African American.
“Today, the son of a union bus driver and a hair dresser, a boy that grew up in a steel town often overlooked by those in power, a young man driven to his first city council meeting because gun violence came to my neighborhood, has reached the second highest office in this Commonwealth,” Davis said at his inauguration speech.
The lieutenant governor must fulfill the duties of the governor if he is incapacitated for health reasons or steps down. As lieutenant governor, Davis will also chair the state Board of Pardons, which hears requests for pardons and commutations, and will preside over the state Senate.
“Today we are sending a message to the next generation of leaders. Young people across our Commonwealth, 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.
At the age of 33, Davis is now the youngest lieutenant governor in the nation.
