Lieutenant Governor of New York facts for kids
The lieutenant governor of New York is an important job in the New York State government. It's the second-highest position, right after the Governor. The lieutenant governor is chosen along with the governor in an election every four years.
Their main jobs, as set out in the New York Constitution, include leading the state senate meetings. They also step in as acting governor if the governor is away from the state or can't do their job. If the governor leaves office because they resign, pass away, or are removed, the lieutenant governor becomes the new governor.
The lieutenant governor also helps with other important tasks, like being part of the State Defense Council. Currently, Antonio Delgado holds this position. He started on May 25, 2022.
Quick facts for kids Lieutenant Governor of New York |
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Flag of the State of New York
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Seal of the State of New York
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| Government of New York New York State Senate |
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| Style |
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| Appointer | Primary Election & Governor of New York |
| Term length | Four years, no term limit |
| Constituting instrument | New York Constitution of 1777 |
| Inaugural holder | Pierre Van Cortlandt |
| Formation | July 30, 1777 |
| Succession | First |
| Salary | $220,000 (2023) |
| Website | governor.ny.gov |
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Contents
What the Lieutenant Governor Does
The lieutenant governor has several key responsibilities. They lead meetings in the New York State Senate. They also step in for the governor if needed. This happens if the governor is out of state or unable to perform their duties. If the governor leaves office permanently, the lieutenant governor becomes the new governor.
Besides these main roles, lieutenant governors often take on other tasks. The governor might ask them to focus on specific areas. For example, Mary Donohue worked on issues like small businesses and school safety. Stan Lundine helped with technology and housing. These extra duties help the state government run smoothly.
How Lieutenant Governors Are Chosen
Lieutenant governors are usually elected alongside the governor. Sometimes, if the position becomes empty, a new lieutenant governor can be appointed.
Past Elections for Lieutenant Governor
In the 1994 election, Stan Lundine ran again with Governor Mario Cuomo. They were challenged by George Pataki and his running mate, Betsy McCaughey. Pataki and McCaughey won that election.
In 1998, Governor Pataki chose a new running mate, Mary Donohue. She ran with him and they won the election.
For the 2002 election, Governor Pataki and Lieutenant Governor Donohue ran together again. They won against their challengers.
In 2006, Lieutenant Governor Donohue decided not to run again. David Paterson won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. He ran with Eliot Spitzer for governor. They won the election.
When the Position Becomes Empty
Sometimes, the lieutenant governor position becomes vacant. This can happen if the lieutenant governor becomes governor.
2008 Vacancy and Appointment
In 2008, Lieutenant Governor David Paterson became governor. This happened after Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned. The lieutenant governor position was then empty for a while. Different leaders in the State Senate took on the duties temporarily.
In July 2009, Governor Paterson appointed Richard Ravitch as lieutenant governor. There was some debate about whether this appointment was allowed by the state's rules. However, the highest court in New York later decided that the appointment was constitutional.
2021 Vacancy and Appointment
In August 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul then became the new governor. This made the lieutenant governor position empty again. Andrea Stewart-Cousins temporarily took on the duties. Governor Hochul then chose Brian Benjamin to fill the role. He started on September 9, 2021.
2022 Vacancy and Appointment
In April 2022, Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin resigned due to legal issues. Once again, Andrea Stewart-Cousins became the acting lieutenant governor. Governor Hochul then appointed Antonio Delgado to the position. He was sworn in on May 25, 2022.
List of lieutenant governors
See also
- Politics of New York (state)
- List of lieutenant governors of New York
- List of current United States lieutenant governors
- New York gubernatorial elections (to see results for the elections of Lieutenant Governors of New York)
