Pa. politicians, advocates welcome Gov. Josh Shapiro to office

This story was updated at 2:43 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 to include additional reactions. 

As Gov. Josh Shapiro took the oath of office in Harrisburg on Tuesday, various politicians and interest groups sent their best wishes to the newly sworn-in chief executive and his incoming administration. This story will be updated as more reactions become available.

State Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster:

“I welcome Gov. Shapiro and congratulate him on being sworn-in to office today.

“As a candidate, Gov. Shapiro offered many policy proposals that provided a path to bipartisan accomplishment and real progress for our shared goals. As we look ahead, it is our hope that Gov. Shapiro governs under that same spirit and with a true willingness to find common ground.

“Over the last 12 years, House Republicans have shown we care about Pennsylvania by being the leading voice in limiting the size and scope of government, delivering on fiscal responsibility and championing individual liberty. Regardless of where we may agree or disagree with the new administration, as a caucus, we will remain true to the values and principles that have a proven record of success for improving the lives of Pennsylvanians.”

State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh:

A good man exits. And a good man succeeds him. Josh Shapiro is the 48th Governor of Pennsylvania. Decency, democracy, and goodness prevails.

I cannot wait to get back to work, and to see what this man will continue to do for all of us. https://t.co/5JPbK8cC6M pic.twitter.com/6QZd3EdMni

— Mike Schlossberg (@MikeSchlossberg) January 17, 2023

State Rep. Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny:

Congratulations to @GovernorShapiro and Allegheny County’s own @LTGDavis! I look forward to seeing Pennsylvania grow and prosper under our new gubernatorial leadership team. pic.twitter.com/ACqooOSSRs

— Rep. Nick Pisciottano (@RepPisciottano) January 17, 2023

State Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny:

Happy #InaugurationDay! 🥳 Proud to watch my friends @GovernorShapiro and @LTGDavis take the oath of office in Harrisburg today. Congratulations! #LetsWork to make a better PA for all! pic.twitter.com/0HQU2IT3LF

— Rep. Emily Kinkead (@RepKinkead) January 17, 2023

State Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, D-Delaware:

Congratulations @GovernorShapiro and Lt. Gov @AustinDavisPA! As a Pennsylvanian and a Senator, I'm thrilled to see what this next chapter brings for our Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/opC6fpGP69

— Senator Amanda Cappelletti (@SenCappelletti) January 17, 2023

U.S. Rep.  Summer Lee, D-12th District:

Today is a historic day for our Commonwealth as @GovernorShapiro and @LTGDavis are sworn in. As the first Black woman representing PA in the state House & now Congress, watching Austin become PA-35’s first Black rep, and now, PA’s first Black Lt. Governor means so much.

— Congresswoman Summer Lee (@RepSummerLee) January 17, 2023

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.:

Farewell to @GovernorTomWolf on your last day as Guv. I’m grateful for your leadership + friendship, and it was a deep honor to serve with you for the past four years.

Welcome to our new Governor @JoshShapiroPA and LG @AustinDavisPA, who will represent PA well! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/5zuWNpbycY

— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) January 17, 2023

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey:

CommUnity. Join me in Congratulating the 48th Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, @GovernorShapiro! pic.twitter.com/4sKqClH0em

— Ed Gainey (@gainey_ed) January 17, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives:

Congratulations to Governor @JoshShapiroPA and PA's first Black Lt. Governor @AustinDavisPA! Today is an exciting day as they are inaugurated in Harrisburg – our Delegation is looking forward to working closely with this dynamic new administration! pic.twitter.com/TI3HXLUIba

— PhillyDelegation (@PhillyHouseDs) January 17, 2023

Pennsylvania State Education Association President Rich Askey: 

“Gov. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Davis take office as strong proponents of public education, Pennsylvania students, and the hardworking educators and support professionals in our schools,” Askey said. “We look forward to working with both of them and the Legislature to ensure our students continue to have the tools they need to succeed.

“Gov. Shapiro has demonstrated his strong commitment to education by nominating Dr. Khalid Mumin to be Pennsylvania’s secretary of education. Dr. Mumin is an extraordinary leader and a committed educator, and we have every confidence that he will hit the ground running, working to ensure that every student in every one of Pennsylvania’s public schools gets the best possible education.

“Throughout the gubernatorial campaign, Gov. Shapiro remained focused on ideas that work in public education. He has promised to reduce the time students spend on standardized tests, keep our schools safe, and expand access to vocational, technical, and computer training.

“Gov. Shapiro also recognizes that too many students are struggling with mental and emotional health issues. He will take steps to ensure that every school building in Pennsylvania has at least one mental health professional so that kids can access help when they need it.

“On behalf of the 177,000 educators and support professionals I represent as PSEA’s president, I want to congratulate Josh Shapiro and Austin Davis and pledge to work with them to make Pennsylvania’s public schools the very best that they can be.”