One Scranton native will play a role in formally nominating another as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee. 

Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) has been named one of the Vice Chairmen for the Democratic National Convention. Casey, who endorsed Joe Biden’s presidential bid just minutes after the former VP announced his entrance into the race, said in a statement that he’s “honored” to serve in this role at the upcoming convention and lauded Biden’s record working on behalf of “hard-working Americans.”

“I was proud to endorse Joe Biden for President on the first day of his campaign, and I’m honored to serve as a Vice Chairman at the Democratic National Convention that will secure his position as our Democratic nominee,” Casey said. “Our Nation simply cannot afford another four years of President Trump’s broken promises and corporate giveaways when the stakes are so high for working families, children, and seniors.” 

“The American people know Joe Biden well,” Casey continued. “He has spent a lifetime fighting battles on behalf of hard-working Americans while ensuring our values and interests are represented abroad, first in the United States Senate and later as Vice President. At this make-or-break moment for our Nation, we can count on Joe Biden to take his experience and strength of character to the White House and work to raise wages for working families, provide a better future for our children, and restore America’s standing in the world.”

I was proud to endorse Joe Biden for President on the first day of his campaign, and I’m honored to serve as a Vice Chairman at the Democratic National Convention that will secure his position as our Democratic nominee. #TeamJoe https://t.co/TUJZpLyx8L

— Bob Casey Jr. (@Bob_Casey) August 4, 2020

The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that Casey, who is one of the eight vice-chairs of the convention that is set to take place in Milwaukee, WI, will not travel to the location due to the coronavirus pandemic. Most of the convention is set to take place virtually.

Casey’s father had a notably rocky relationship with the DNC. Then Pa. Governor, Bob Casey Sr., was barred from giving a speech at the 1992 Democratic National Convention, widely considered a rebuke of his pro-life stance. 

Casey Jr. also refers to himself as a pro-life Democrat, although he routinely scores higher on legislative scorecards from abortion rights supporters than abortion rights opponents.