Austin Davis sworn in as Pa.’s 35th, first Black lieutenant governor

Former Allegheny County state Rep. Austin Davis was sworn in before the state Senate on Tuesday as the 35th lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and the first Black Pennsylvanian to hold the office. 

Davis remarked on the historic moment by acknowledging that the accomplishment “was paid for by the blood, sweat, and tears of those who came before me.”

In his first speech as lieutenant governor, Davis repeated his belief that “the people closest to the pain should be closest to the power” and pledged to be a champion for Pennsylvanians who haven’t felt heard by their elected officials. 

“The things that unite us are so much greater than the things that divide us,” Davis said, calling on his colleagues in the Senate to cast politics aside and instead focus on delivering results for Pennsylvanians. As part of his duties as lieutenant governor, Davis will preside over Senate sessions.

“We won’t let you down as your next governor and lieutenant governor,” Davis said in closing. “Now, let’s work.”