Lieutenant Governor of Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lieutenant Governor of the State of Michigan |
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![]() Great Seal of the State of Michigan
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Government of Michigan | |
Appointer | Popularly Elected With the Governor |
Term length | 4 Years, renewable once |
Inaugural holder | Edward Mundy |
Formation | January 26, 1837 |
Succession | First |
Website | michigan.gov/ltgov |
President of Senate of the State of Michigan | |
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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 most important official in the U.S. state of Michigan. This person works closely with the governor.
The current lieutenant governor is Garlin Gilchrist, who is a Democrat. He has held this job since January 1, 2019.
Contents
How the Lieutenant Governor is Chosen
In Michigan, the governor and lieutenant governor are chosen together. They run as a team for a four-year term. The election happens two years after every presidential election. So, the next election will be in November 2026.
Getting Nominated
After the August primary election each time there's a governor's election, the two biggest political parties in Michigan hold a special meeting called a state convention. At this meeting, they pick candidates for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general, among other jobs.
Because the governor and lieutenant governor are elected as a team, the person running for governor usually decides who they want as their lieutenant governor. Then, the people at the convention officially agree with that choice.
A long time ago, the governor and lieutenant governor were elected separately. This sometimes meant that one party, like the Republicans, might control one office, and the Democrats might control the other. But this changed with Michigan's Constitution in 1963.
Election Day and Starting the Job
After the main election in November, the governor and lieutenant governor start their terms on January 1. For example, the winners of the 2022 election began their jobs on January 1, 2023.
How Many Terms Can They Serve?
Just like the governor, the lieutenant governor can serve up to two terms in office. A term is four years long.
What the Lieutenant Governor Does
The lieutenant governor has three main jobs:
- They act as governor if the governor is out of the state.
- They become governor if the governor cannot do their job because of death, illness, or other reasons.
- They lead meetings in the Michigan Senate.
Today, the lieutenant governor also helps the governor a lot. If the governor can't go to an event, the lieutenant governor might go instead. They also sometimes lead special groups that study important public policy issues.
History of the Office
The office of Lieutenant Governor of Michigan was created on January 26, 1837. The first person to hold this important role was Edward Mundy.