Who is Missouri’s Lieutenant Governor?
Missouri’s lieutenant governor is a constitutional officer who serves as the second-highest official in the state government. The lieutenant governor is elected alongside the governor in statewide elections and serves a four-year term. The current lieutenant governor of Missouri is Cindi Heathcote.
Responsibilities of the Lieutenant Governor
As the second-highest official in the state government, the lieutenant governor assumes the office of the governor if the governor is unable to serve. The lieutenant governor also serves as the president of the Missouri Senate and presides over the chamber during legislative sessions. Additionally, the lieutenant governor is responsible for:
• Conducting the Senate’s daily business: The lieutenant governor is responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the Senate, as well as ensuring that Senate rules are followed.
• Appointing committee members: The lieutenant governor has the authority to appoint members to Senate committees, with the advice and consent of the Senate.
• Signing or vetoing bills: As the president of the Senate, the lieutenant governor has the power to sign or veto bills passed by the Senate.
• Representing the state: The lieutenant governor serves as the state’s representative at various events and ceremonies, and may also serve as a liaison between the state government and other state or federal agencies.
Qualifications and Election
To be eligible to serve as lieutenant governor, a candidate must:
• Be a qualified elector: The candidate must be a registered voter in Missouri and a resident of the state for at least one year prior to the election.
• Be at least 30 years old: The candidate must be at least 30 years old on the date of the election.
• Be a citizen of the United States: The candidate must be a U.S. citizen and have been a citizen for at least five years prior to the election.
The lieutenant governor is elected in a statewide election, with the top vote-getter winning the office. The election is typically held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, with the term beginning on the following January 9th.
History of the Office
The office of lieutenant governor was established in Missouri’s constitution in 1820, when the state was still a territory. The first lieutenant governor of Missouri was Alexander McNair, who served from 1821 to 1824. Since then, there have been a total of 52 lieutenant governors, with the longest-serving being Joe Teasley, who served from 1973 to 1981.
Current Lieutenant Governor
Cindi Heathcote was elected as the 49th lieutenant governor of Missouri in 2020, alongside Governor Mike Parson**. Prior to her election, Heathcote served as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing the 33rd district from 2015 to 2020. As lieutenant governor, Heathcote has focused on issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lieutenant governor of Missouri is a critical figure in the state government, serving as the second-highest official and president of the Missouri Senate. With a range of responsibilities and qualifications, the lieutenant governor plays a vital role in the state’s legislative and executive branches.
