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Lieutenant Governor of Michigan facts for kids

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Lieutenant Governor of the State of Michigan
Seal of Michigan.svg
Great Seal of the State of Michigan
Garlin Gilchrist in Grand Rapids.jpg
Incumbent
Garlin Gilchrist

since January 1, 2019
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
Incumbent
Garlin Gilchrist

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 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.

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.

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