The Lieutenant Governor of West Virginia: An Overview
Duties and Responsibilities
The Lieutenant Governor of West Virginia serves as the second-highest-ranking official in the state's executive branch.
Their duties include:
- Presiding over the West Virginia Senate
- Assuming the role of Governor in the event of a vacancy
- Serving as a member of various state boards and commissions
Qualifications and Election
To be eligible for the office of Lieutenant Governor, candidates must:
- Be at least 30 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen for at least 10 years
- Be a resident of West Virginia for at least 5 years
The Lieutenant Governor is elected on the same ticket as the Governor in the general election held every four years.
Current Lieutenant Governor
The current Lieutenant Governor of West Virginia is Bethany Hall-Long.
Biography
Bethany Hall-Long was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, and attended West Virginia University.
Prior to her election as Lieutenant Governor, she served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates for 10 years.
Accomplishments
As Lieutenant Governor, Hall-Long has focused on:
- Promoting economic development
- Improving education
- Addressing the opioid crisis
Historical Significance
The office of Lieutenant Governor was created in 1863, when West Virginia became a state.
The first Lieutenant Governor of West Virginia was Samuel Sprigg.
Notable Lieutenant Governors in West Virginia's history include:
- Arthur Boreman (1863-1869)
- Albert Gallatin Jenkins (1873-1877)
- Homer Holt (1909-1913)
Additional Information
The Lieutenant Governor of West Virginia is a constitutional office.
The annual salary for the Lieutenant Governor is $82,294.
For more information, visit the official website of the Lieutenant Governor of West Virginia.
