Lieutenant Governor of Michigan
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2010) |
| Lieutenant Governor of the State of Michigan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Appointer | Popularly Elected With the Governor |
| Term length | 4 Years |
| Inaugural holder | Edward Mundy |
| Formation | January 26, 1837 |
| Website | michigan.gov/ltgov |
| President of Senate of the State of Michigan | |
|---|---|
since January 1, 2019 | |
| Appointer | ex officio |
| Term length | 4 Years |
| Inaugural holder | Edward Mundy |
| Formation | January 26, 1837 |
| Website | michigan.gov/ltgov |
The lieutenant governor of Michigan is the second-ranking official in U.S. state of Michigan, behind the governor. The holder of this office is afforded the courtesy title of the Honorable for life.
The current lieutenant governor is Garlin Gilchrist, a Democrat, who has held the office since January 1, 2019.
Process
In Michigan, the governor and lieutenant governor are elected as a ticket to serve a term of four years. The election takes place two years after each presidential election; thus, the next election will take place in November 2022.
Nomination
Following the August primary election in each gubernatorial election year, the state's two largest political parties convene a state convention and nominate candidates for lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general, among other offices. Because the governor and lieutenant governor are elected as a ticket, the party's gubernatorial nominee usually makes the de facto decision as to whom the party will nominate for lieutenant governor, then convention delegates officially confirm the designation.
Historically, the governor and lieutenant governor were elected separately, leading to occasions where Republicans controlled one office and the Democrats another (as with George Romney and T. John Lesinski). This changed with the Michigan Constitution of 1963.
Election and inauguration
After the November general election, the governor and lieutenant governor take office on January 1. Thus, the winners of the 2018 election began their term on January 1, 2019.
Term limits
Like the governor, the lieutenant governor is allowed to serve up to two terms in office.
Duties
There are three main duties assigned to the lieutenant governor:
- to serve as acting governor while the governor is out of state;
- to become governor in the event that the governor is unable to serve due to death, illness or incapacitation; and
- to preside over the Michigan Senate.
These days, the lieutenant governor also acts as an assistant to the governor. When the governor is unable to attend a function, for instance, the lieutenant governor may be sent in place of the governor. The lieutenant governor will also occasionally head blue-ribbon commissions into pressing public policy issues.
List of lieutenant governors
- Parties
Democratic (18) Republican (43) Whig (3)
Living former lieutenant governors
As of October 2019[update], there are three former lieutenant governors who are currently living, the oldest being the oldest being Dick Posthumus (served 1999–2003, born 1950). The most recent death of a former lieutenant governor of Michigan was that of William G. Milliken (served 1965–1969, born 1922) on October 18, 2019. The most-recently serving lieutenant governor of Michigan to die was Connie Binsfeld (served 1991–1999, born 1924), on January 12, 2014.
| Lt. Governor | Lt. Gubernatorial term | Date of birth (and age) |
|---|---|---|
| Dick Posthumus | 1999–2003 | July 19, 1950 |
| John D. Cherry | 2003–2011 | May 5, 1951 |
| Brian Calley | 2011–2019 | March 25, 1977 |
Notes
Source: Michigan Manual 2003-2004, Chapter IV, Former Officials of Michigan
External links
 Michigan statewide elected officials | |
|---|---|