Austin Davis (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Austin Davis
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Davis in 2022
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| 35th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania | |
| Assumed office January 17, 2023 |
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| Governor | Josh Shapiro |
| Preceded by | Kim Ward (acting) |
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 35th district |
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| In office February 5, 2018 – December 7, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Marc Gergely |
| Succeeded by | Matt Gergely |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Austin Ankarie Davis
October 4, 1989 McKeesport, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Blayre Holmes
(m. 2017) |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (BA) |
Austin Davis (born October 4, 1989) is an American politician. He is currently the 35th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. He started this job in 2023.
Before becoming Lieutenant Governor, he was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represented the 35th district from 2018 to 2022. Mr. Davis is the first African American to be Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. He is also the youngest person ever elected to this role in the United States.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Austin Davis was born on October 4, 1989, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He went to McKeesport Area High School. While there, he started a group called the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council. He was the leader of this group, working with the mayor of McKeesport, James Brewster.
After high school, he went to the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. In 2012, he earned a degree in political science. This is the study of how governments work.
Career in Politics
While still in college, Austin Davis got a job as an intern for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. An intern helps lawmakers with their daily tasks. In 2011, a newspaper called him "a veteran at the politics of helping others."
Later, Mr. Davis worked as an executive assistant for the Allegheny County executive, Rich Fitzgerald. In 2014, he became the youngest and first Black vice chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. This is a group that helps guide the Democratic Party in that area.
Serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
In 2018, Austin Davis ran for a special election to join the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This group makes laws for the state of Pennsylvania. He won the election for the 35th district. He beat his opponent with over 73% of the votes.
This made him the first African American to serve as a State Representative for that district. As a representative, he worked on different committees. These committees study specific topics and help create new laws.
- Appropriations (about state spending)
- Consumer Affairs (about protecting shoppers)
- Insurance (about different types of insurance)
- Transportation (about roads, bridges, and travel)
Becoming Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
In December 2021, Austin Davis decided to run for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. He was chosen by Josh Shapiro, who was running for Governor, to be his running mate. In Pennsylvania, the Lieutenant Governor and Governor run separately in the first election, called the primary.
On November 8, 2022, Josh Shapiro and Austin Davis won the general election. They defeated their opponents, Doug Mastriano and Carrie DelRosso. This election was a big moment for Mr. Davis.
He became the first African American to be elected Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. He was also the first millennial (someone born between 1981 and 1996) to win a statewide office in Pennsylvania.
His Time as Lieutenant Governor
When Austin Davis was sworn into office, he was 33 years old. This made him the youngest Lieutenant Governor in Pennsylvania's history. He is also the youngest person currently serving as Lieutenant Governor in the entire United States.
In 2024, Mr. Davis was chosen to lead the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association. This group helps Democratic Lieutenant Governors across the country work together.
Personal Life
Austin Davis met his wife, Blayre Holmes, in 2012. They got married on September 1, 2017. They live in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. In September 2023, they welcomed their first child, a daughter.
Mr. Davis has also been involved in many community groups. He has served on the boards of organizations like the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. He also helped groups focused on education and supporting young people.
See also
In Spanish: Austin Davis (político) para niños
