Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. hopeful Austin Davis attends opening for Josh Shapiro’s new campaign office in State College

• By Madeline Miller/ WPSU

On Monday, supporters of Democrat Josh Shapiro for Pennsylvania governor opened his Centre County Campaign Office in downtown State College. Shapiro has endorsed State Representative Austin Davis for lieutenant governor and they’ve been campaigning together.

“Democrats are united. Democrats are organized. And we’re ready to win in November. Will you join us in that fight?” Davis said as he addressed a crowd of about 50 party loyalists from the front steps of the new campaign office. He said he and Shapiro opened an office in Centre County because Democrats are “invested in this area.”

Davis said he and Shapiro would protect mail-in voting and reproductive rights in Pennsylvania. Davis said he’s concerned about the future of reproductive rights if leading GOP candidate Doug Mastriano wins the gubernatorial election in November.

“Women in Pennsylvania would die. And he’s talking about taking away their ability to make their own reproductive decisions. I think it’d be catastrophic,” Davis said.

Shapiro is the only Democrat running for governor. Davis is running against two other Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor – Brian Sims and Ray Sosa.

There are seven candidates seeking the Republican nomination to be governor. Jake Corman dropped out last week and Melissa Hart dropped out Monday, though their names will still be on the ballot. Both endorsed Lou Barletta. Nine Republicans are running for lieutenant governor.