Lieutenant Governor of New York facts for kids
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 | $210,000 (2020) |
| Website | governor.ny.gov |
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The lieutenant governor of New York is a very important job in the government of New York State. It's the second-highest position, right after the governor. The lieutenant governor is chosen along with the governor for a four-year term.
The main jobs of the lieutenant governor are to lead the state senate meetings. They also step in as acting governor if the governor is away or can't do their job. If the governor leaves office (due to death, quitting, or being removed), the lieutenant governor becomes the new governor. New York's lieutenant governor is paid more than any other lieutenant governor in the United States.
Right now, Antonio Delgado is the lieutenant governor. He started his job on May 25, 2022.
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What Does the Lieutenant Governor Do?
Besides their official duties, lieutenant governors often help the governor with other tasks. They might work on special projects or speak for the governor.
For example, Mary Donohue worked on topics like small businesses and school safety. She also spoke for the governor in different parts of New York. Before her, Betsy McCaughey Ross focused on healthcare and education. Stan Lundine worked on technology and housing issues. These examples show how the lieutenant governor can take on many different roles.
How Lieutenant Governors Are Chosen
Lieutenant governors are usually chosen during elections, running on the same "ticket" as the governor. This means people vote for the governor and lieutenant governor together.
Sometimes, a governor might choose a new running mate for the next election. This happened in 1997 when Governor George Pataki chose Mary Donohue instead of his previous lieutenant governor, Betsy McCaughey Ross.
When the Job Becomes Empty
Sometimes, the lieutenant governor's job can become empty. This usually happens if the lieutenant governor becomes governor.
2008 Vacancy and Appointment
In 2008, Lieutenant Governor David Paterson became governor after the previous governor resigned. This left the lieutenant governor job empty. For a while, leaders of the State Senate took on some of the lieutenant governor's duties.
In 2009, Governor Paterson appointed Richard Ravitch to fill the empty spot. There was some debate about whether the governor could do this. But in the end, the highest court in New York decided that the appointment was allowed.
2021 Vacancy and Appointment
In August 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned. This meant Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul became the new governor. Again, the lieutenant governor's job was empty.
Governor Hochul then chose State Senator Brian Benjamin to be the new lieutenant governor. He started his job on September 9, 2021.
2022 Vacancy and Appointment
In April 2022, Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin resigned. This made the job empty again.
Governor Hochul then appointed Antonio Delgado to fill the position. Mr. Delgado was sworn in on May 25, 2022, and is the current lieutenant governor.
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
