Who is the Illinois Lieutenant Governor?
The Illinois lieutenant governor is the second-highest official in the state of Illinois, serving as the deputy to the Governor of Illinois. The lieutenant governor is elected alongside the governor in a statewide election, with the same political party affiliation. The lieutenant governor serves a four-year term, with the option to run for re-election for a maximum of two terms.
History of the Office
The office of the lieutenant governor in Illinois was established in 1818, when the state’s constitution was ratified. The first lieutenant governor was Shadrach Bond, who served from 1818 to 1822. Since then, the office has been held by numerous individuals, with the exception of a brief period from 1879 to 1885 when the office was abolished. In 1885, the office was reinstated, and it has remained an important part of Illinois’ state government ever since.
Responsibilities
As the second-highest official in the state, the lieutenant governor has a range of responsibilities, including:
• Presiding Officer of the Senate: The lieutenant governor serves as the presiding officer of the Illinois Senate, casting tie-breaking votes and maintaining order in the chamber.
• Governor Pro Tempore: In the event of the governor’s death, resignation, or incapacitation, the lieutenant governor becomes the acting governor of Illinois.
• Appointments: The lieutenant governor is responsible for making appointments to various state boards, commissions, and committees, with the approval of the governor.
• Representative of the State: The lieutenant governor serves as the representative of the state at various events, ceremonies, and functions.
Current Lieutenant Governor
The current lieutenant governor of Illinois is Juliana Stratton, who was elected alongside Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2018. Stratton is the first African American woman to hold the office of lieutenant governor in Illinois.
Key Accomplishments
During her tenure as lieutenant governor, Stratton has focused on several key areas, including:
• Economic Development: Stratton has worked to promote economic development in Illinois, particularly in rural and urban areas.
• Healthcare: She has been a strong advocate for expanding healthcare access and affordability in Illinois.
• Education: Stratton has prioritized education, pushing for increased funding for public schools and early childhood education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is the lieutenant governor elected?: The lieutenant governor is elected alongside the governor in a statewide election.
- What are the qualifications to be the lieutenant governor?: To be eligible to serve as lieutenant governor, a person must be at least 25 years old, a resident of Illinois for at least three years, and a qualified voter in the state.
- What is the salary of the lieutenant governor?: The lieutenant governor’s salary is $167,784 per year.
Table: Illinois Lieutenant Governors (1818-Present)
| Lieutenant Governor | Term |
|---|---|
| Shadrach Bond | 1818-1822 |
| John McLean | 1822-1826 |
| Adolph E. Omer | 1826-1830 |
| William L.D. Ewing | 1830-1834 |
| Alexander P. Field | 1834-1838 |
| Thomas J. Turner | 1838-1842 |
| Reuben Williams | 1842-1846 |
| Augustus C. French | 1846-1853 |
| Gustave Koerner | 1853-1858 |
| William H. Bissell | 1858-1860 |
| Richard J. Oglesby | 1860-1864 |
| Francis L. Smith | 1864-1869 |
| John Lourie Beveridge | 1869-1873 |
| Sheldon M. Sharpsteen | 1873-1879 |
| (Office abolished, 1879-1885) | |
| John L. Mitchell | 1885-1889 |
| William H. Church | 1889-1893 |
| John M. Hamilton | 1893-1897 |
| Richard J. Daley | 1897-1901 |
| William R. Hodges | 1901-1905 |
| Lawrence Y. Sherman | 1905-1909 |
| George T. Harding | 1909-1913 |
| John G. Bryan | 1913-1917 |
| Herman T. Eckstorf | 1917-1921 |
| Frederick E. Crane | 1921-1925 |
| William G. Strawn | 1925-1929 |
| Neil F. Carroll | 1929-1933 |
| Charles S. Deneen | 1933-1937 |
| Hugh W. Bruton | 1937-1941 |
| Morton R. Smith | 1941-1949 |
| Sherwood Dixon | 1949-1953 |
| George W. Fithian | 1953-1961 |
| Paul H. Douglas | 1961-1965 |
| Samuel H. Shapiro | 1965-1969 |
| Stanley J. Stein | 1969-1973 |
| Neil Hartigan | 1973-1977 |
| Dave O’Neal | 1977-1981 |
| George H. Ryan | 1981-1993 |
| Bob Kustra | 1993-1999 |
| Corinne Wood | 1999-2003 |
| Pat Quinn | 2003-2009 |
| Sheila Simon | 2009-2015 |
| Evelyn Sanguinetti | 2015-2019 |
| Juliana Stratton | 2019-present |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Illinois lieutenant governor plays a vital role in the state’s government, serving as the deputy to the governor and carrying out various responsibilities. With a rich history dating back to 1818, the office has been held by numerous individuals, each leaving their mark on the state. Today, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton continues this tradition, working to promote economic development, healthcare, and education in Illinois.
