Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis says he’s ready to replace Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who is Gov. Josh Shapiro’s lieutenant, said he is ready to serve as governor if needed as Shapiro has been the subject of speculation as a potential vice presidential candidate.

Davis would complete Shapiro’s term if the governor were to take over as vice president, but a few things would have to happen first: Shapiro would have to be chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris’ successor, and then Democrats would have to win the presidential election in November.

Davis said at a news conference Wednesday in Lancaster that he is ready to take over whenever asked.

“When you take on this job, you realize that one day you could be called to serve as governor,” Davis said. “And if that time comes, we are ready to serve and continue to lead Pennsylvania forward.”

Davis called Shapiro a “tremendous public servant” and said he was “excited for the opportunity for him to continue his public service.”

Davis, 34, is the youngest lieutenant governor in the country and the first black lieutenant governor in Pennsylvania. With Shapiro’s support, Davis has expanded the responsibilities of the lieutenant governor’s office from one with little power to a say in several policy initiatives.

Among those up-to-date responsibilities was his appointment as chairman of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which oversees the state’s plans to prevent and intervene in gun violence — an issue that was key to Davis’s pursuit of public service.

Davis said he has observed Shapiro over the years as a state representative, county commissioner, attorney general and now governor.

Davis listed qualities that make him a good vice presidential candidate, including Shapiro’s commitment and track record on behalf of Pennsylvanians, as evidenced by the state’s recent $47.6 billion budget.

“I’ve seen how he listens to people, how he values ​​individuals and supports them here in Pennsylvania,” Davis added.