California's Lieutenant Governor: A Comprehensive Guide
Who is the Lieutenant Governor of California?
The Lieutenant Governor of California is the second-highest official in the state government, after the Governor. The Lieutenant Governor is elected on the same ticket as the Governor and serves a four-year term.
Current Lieutenant Governor of California
Eleni Kounalakis is the current Lieutenant Governor of California. She was elected in 2018 and is the first woman to hold this position in California history.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor has a variety of roles and responsibilities, including:
- Presiding over the California Senate
- Acting as Governor in the event of the Governor's absence or incapacity
- Serving on the California State Lands Commission
- Serving on the University of California Board of Regents
- Serving on the California State University Board of Trustees
The Lieutenant Governor also has a number of ceremonial duties, such as representing the state at official events and giving speeches.
Qualifications for Lieutenant Governor
To be eligible to serve as Lieutenant Governor of California, a person must:
- Be a registered voter in California
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have resided in California for at least five years
Election of the Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor of California is elected on the same ticket as the Governor. The candidates for Lieutenant Governor are nominated at the state party conventions, and the general election is held in November of even-numbered years.
Term of Office
The Lieutenant Governor serves a four-year term. There is no limit to the number of terms that a person may serve as Lieutenant Governor.
Compensation
The Lieutenant Governor of California receives an annual salary of $150,000.
Conclusion
The Lieutenant Governor of California is an important part of the state government. The Lieutenant Governor has a variety of roles and responsibilities, and the position is an important stepping stone for those who aspire to become Governor.