First African American elected to House outside city limits
Austin Davis said he actually had some jitters last week as he prepared for the results of the special election to fill the vacant 35th District Pennsylvania House seat, but they didn’t last long, as it quickly became apparent that he’d won—becoming the first African American from Western Pennsylvania elected to the House outside the City of Pittsburgh. He’ll be sworn in Feb. 5.
“I was honestly a little nervous,” Davis told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “I was a first-time candidate and had never run for any office before. Though we’d worked hard to get our message out, you’re never sure if it resonated.”
Not only did it resonate with district voters—who cast 73 percent of the ballots in his favor—it also registered throughout the Democratic Party.
“I got at least 35 congratulatory calls from fellow House members,” he said. “The governor called, and I also got a call from Hillary Clinton. So that was cool. My family is very excited and so am I, but for me it’s work. Still they are all happy to see it pay off.”
Davis said he has no idea what committee assignment he will garner from the leadership, but he doesn’t really care—he’ll do the job regardless.
“They’re not going to take my preferences into account—I’m the new guy,” he said. “I’ll be happy to do the job. And it’s not going to take away from my work on issues of concern to the district.”
He will focus on his campaign priorities of improving education, transportation, economic development, and public safety, but in response to what he heard throughout the campaign, he’ll also be working to address the opioid crisis, and protecting programs for seniors that allow them to age in place and maintain their quality of life.
As for nuts-and-bolts issues, Davis said he plans to keep the district offices in White Oak, Clairton and Munhall where they are for the time being and will keep on the existing staff as well.
“They’ve worked for multiple state reps and have a grasp of operations, and that will be helpful to me coming in mid-term,” he said. “There’s a lot for me to do and it will be nice to have a staff who has a handle on everything.”
Speaking of things to do—he has another election to prepare for.
“Oh, by the way, if you didn’t know, I’m running again in 2018,” he joked. “It’s funny: I get sworn in on the fifth (Feb.), and I can begin circulating nominating petitions on the thirteenth.”
Davis would not be surprised to face his special election opponent, V. Fawn Walker-Montgomery, again. He said she “fought the good fight.” The next race, for a full term, will presumably bring out more voters. Only 10 percent of the district’s registered voters came out for the Jan. 23 special election.
“So, I want to thank everyone who voted for me. And to those who didn’t, I want to be your state Rep as well. It doesn’t mean I don’t care about your ideas. I’m looking forward to getting to work and being an advocate for southwestern PA and the commonwealth. I think we’re uniquely positioned for big things and I look forward to getting to work.”
The 28-year-old McKeesport native will serve the remaining portion of former state Rep. Marc Gergely’s term. His annual salary will be $86,478.
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