Lieutenant Governor of California is a constitutional, statewide elected position in the executive branch of the state government of the U.S. state of California. As the state's second-ranking executive officer, the lieutenant governor serves a four-year term and is chosen by voters in a separate statewide election rather than on a joint ticket with the governor.
Duties and powers
The California Constitution sets out several principal functions for the lieutenant governor, which include:
- Acting as the presiding officer of the California Senate in an ex officio capacity (the Senate generally selects a president pro tempore to handle daily legislative business).
- Serving as acting governor when the governor is temporarily absent from the state.
- Succeeding to the office of governor if the governor dies, resigns, or is removed from office by impeachment and conviction.
- Holding seats on various statewide boards and commissions and undertaking assignments the governor or state law may authorize.
Election and succession
The lieutenant governor is elected every four years in a statewide contest that coincides with the gubernatorial election cycle, but the two offices are filled independently. If the governor is unable to perform the duties of the office, the lieutenant governor assumes those duties as acting governor and becomes governor if a permanent vacancy occurs.
Current officeholder
Eleni Kounalakis has served as California's lieutenant governor since January 2019. She holds the office during the administration of Governor Gavin Newsom.