August 19, 2024 Chicago, IL – At the opening night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis delivered a compelling speech highlighting the administration’s achievements in infrastructure and its commitment to future progress. Speaking to a packed audience, Davis emphasized the stark contrast between the current administration’s proactive approach and the previous administration’s inaction.
Davis, who hails from Pittsburgh and is the son of a Union bus driver, recounted his father’s frequent complaints about the dilapidated state of roads and bridges. He criticized former President Donald Trump for repeatedly promising an “infrastructure week” that never materialized, lamenting the missed opportunities to address these crucial issues.
In a show of support for the current administration, Davis lauded President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their decisive actions. He praised their successful collaboration with both Democrats and Republicans to achieve significant infrastructure milestones. “We got I-95 in Philly fixed in less than 2 weeks,” Davis said, highlighting the swift repair of major transportation routes. He also pointed to the rapid restoration of the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh as a testament to their commitment to improving Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.
Looking forward, Davis emphasized the importance of ongoing investments in infrastructure, particularly for future generations. He voiced strong support for Vice President Harris’s dedication to maintaining and modernizing infrastructure, which he framed as essential for the well-being of American families. “When I think about the future, I think about my daughter Harper and all of America’s children,” Davis stated. “Investing in them means investing in our infrastructure. It means replacing millions of lead pipes and ensuring clean air, clean water, and safe roads and bridges.”
Concluding his speech, Davis called for continued progress and unity in building a brighter future. “Let’s keep building bridges to the future with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” he urged, rallying the audience to support the administration’s vision for a robust and resilient infrastructure.
The 2024 DNC continues through the week, with a focus on celebrating the achievements of the Biden administration and outlining the Democratic Party’s goals for the upcoming election.
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Austin Davis, born October 4, 1989, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, is the 35th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, serving since 2023. He is the first African American and youngest person to hold this office in the state’s history. Davis graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg in 2012 with a BA in political science and began his political career as a legislative intern. He previously served as a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2018 to 2022 and was the youngest and first Black vice chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. Davis and his wife, Blayre Holmes, reside in Allegheny County with their daughter, Harper.
