Who is the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia?
The Lieutenant Governor of Virginia is the second-highest official in the state government of Virginia. The Lieutenant Governor is responsible for assuming the duties of the Governor of Virginia if the Governor is unable to perform their duties, such as if the Governor resigns, is removed from office, or passes away. The Lieutenant Governor is also the President of the Senate, and casts tie-breaking votes in the Senate.
History of the Office
The office of the Lieutenant Governor was first established in 1705, when Virginia was a British colony. The office was created to serve as a backup to the Governor of Virginia, in case the Governor was unable to perform their duties. At that time, the Lieutenant Governor was responsible for conducting gubernatorial business and administering the colony’s government. Today, the Lieutenant Governor plays a critical role in the state’s government, working closely with the Governor to implement policy and represent the state’s interests.
Responsibilities
As the second-highest official in the state government, the Lieutenant Governor has several key responsibilities:
- President of the Senate: The Lieutenant Governor serves as the President of the Virginia Senate, responsible for conducting debates, recognizing members to speak, and maintaining order in the chamber.
- Tie-Breaking Votes: In the event of a tie in the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor casts the deciding vote to break the tie.
- Acting Governor: If the Governor is unable to perform their duties, the Lieutenant Governor assumes the office of Governor until the Governor can resume their duties or a new Governor is elected.
- Special Duties: The Lieutenant Governor may be responsible for special duties, such as serving on boards, commissions, or task forces, or representing the state at national or international events.
Recent Lieutenant Governors
Here are some notable Lieutenant Governors of Virginia in recent history:
Name | Term |
---|---|
Henry A. Wise | 1841-1844 |
John Tyler, later became the 10th President of the United States | 1850-1852 |
Henry A. Wise, later became Governor of Virginia | 1862-1864 |
John S. Barbee | 1922-1926 |
James H. Price | 1966-1970 |
Chuck Robb | 1982-1986 |
Bill Bolling, became the first Republican Lieutenant Governor since Reconstruction | 2006-2010 |
Ralph Northam, became the 73rd Governor of Virginia | 2014-2018 |
Current Lieutenant Governor
The current Lieutenant Governor of Virginia is WIAM ELLIOT FERGUSON III, who has been in office since January 15, 2018. He is a member of the Democratic Party and serves alongside Governor Ralph Northam.
Facts and Figures
Here are some interesting facts and figures about the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia:
- The Lieutenant Governor’s salary is currently set at $51,660 per year.
- The office of the Lieutenant Governor is located in the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.
- The Lieutenant Governor serves a four-year term, coinciding with the Governor’s term.
- There have been 46 Lieutenant Governors of Virginia since the office was established in 1705.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia is a critical position in the state government, responsible for assuming the duties of the Governor and serving as the President of the Senate. The office has a rich history, dating back to the 18th century, and has been held by several notable individuals, including several who went on to become Governor or President. As the second-highest official in the state government, the Lieutenant Governor plays a vital role in shaping the state’s policies and serving its citizens.