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Lieutenant Governor of Delaware facts for kids

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Lieutenant Governor of Delaware
Bethany Hall-Long.jpg
Incumbent
Bethany Hall-Long
since January 17, 2017
Government of Delaware
Style Madam Lieutenant Governor
Term length Four years, 2 terms
Inaugural holder Philip L. Cannon

The lieutenant governor of Delaware is an important elected official in the U.S. state of Delaware. They are the second-highest leader in the state government, right after the governor. People in Delaware vote for the lieutenant governor every four years. This election happens at the same time as the U.S. presidential election. The person who wins starts their job the following January.

The Lieutenant Governor of Delaware

The lieutenant governor has a special role in Delaware's government. They help the governor and are ready to step in if the governor cannot do their job. This position is very important for the state's leadership.

What Does a Lieutenant Governor Do?

One of the main jobs of the lieutenant governor is to lead the Delaware Senate. The Senate is a group of lawmakers who help create state laws. The lieutenant governor acts as the President of the Senate. However, they can only vote on a new law if there is a tie. This means their vote helps decide close decisions.

How They Are Elected

Even though the governor and lieutenant governor often run for office together, people in Delaware vote for them separately. This means voters can choose a governor from one political party and a lieutenant governor from another. This has happened a few times in Delaware's history. For example, in 1972, 1976, and 1984, the governor and lieutenant governor were from different parties.

History of the Office

The job of lieutenant governor was created a long time ago. It was set up by the Delaware Constitution of 1897. The very first election for this role happened in 1900. Since then, many people have served as lieutenant governor.

Current Lieutenant Governor

The current lieutenant governor of Delaware is Bethany Hall-Long. She started her term on January 17, 2017. Her offices are located in Dover, which is the state capital.

Images for kids

  • Philip Leonidas Cannon (1850–1929), first Lieutenant Governor of Delaware

    Philip L. Cannon, the first Lieutenant Governor

  • Lewis E. Eliason

    Lewis E. Eliason

  • Elbert N. Carvel (DE 2)

    Elbert N. Carvel

  • Alexis I. du Pont Bayard (1918–1985), Lieutenant Governor of Delaware

    Alexis I. du Pont Bayard

  • John W. Rollins (1916–2000), Lieutenant Governor of Delaware

    John W. Rollins

  • David Buckson (DE)

    David P. Buckson

  • Eugene Lammot

    Eugene Lammot

  • Sherman W. Tribbett (1922–2010), Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Delaware

    Sherman W. Tribbitt

  • Eugene Bookhammer (1918–2013), Lieutenant Governor of Delaware

    Eugene Bookhammer

  • Mike Castle 1982

    Mike Castle

  • S.B. Woo at the USDA in 2015 (cropped 3x4)

    S. B. Woo

  • Dale E. Wolf

    Dale E. Wolf

  • Ruth Ann Minner

    Ruth Ann Minner

  • John c carney (cropped)

    John Carney

  • DennM (cropped)

    Matthew Denn

  • Bethany Hall-Long

    Bethany Hall-Long, the current Lieutenant Governor

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