Who is the Lieutenant Governor of New York?
The Lieutenant Governor of New York is the second-highest office in the executive branch of the government of New York State. The Lieutenant Governor is elected alongside the Governor of New York for a four-year term and serves as the President of the Senate.
Who is the Current Lieutenant Governor of New York?
As of 2022, the Lieutenant Governor of New York is Hochul, Kathy. She was sworn into office on August 24, 2021, after serving as the first female Speaker of the New York State Assembly. Prior to her election as Lieutenant Governor, Hochul was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York’s 27th congressional district from 2011 to 2013.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Lieutenant Governor of New York has several key responsibilities, including:
- Presiding Officer of the Senate: As the President of the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor presides over the Senate, maintains order, and puts questions to a vote. However, the Lieutenant Governor does not have the power to vote unless there is a tie.
- Governor’s Representative: The Lieutenant Governor serves as the Governor’s representative and performs ceremonial duties on behalf of the Governor.
- Advisory Role: The Lieutenant Governor advises the Governor on matters related to state government and provides input on policy decisions.
- Commissioner Appointments: The Lieutenant Governor has the power to appoint members to various state commissions and boards.
Historical Background
The office of Lieutenant Governor of New York was established in 1777, shortly after the American Revolution. The first Lieutenant Governor of New York was Pierrepont, William, who served from 1777 to 1795. Over the years, the office has been held by many notable individuals, including:
- Chester A. Arthur: Who later became the 21st President of the United States
- Millard Fillmore: Who later became the 13th President of the United States
- Daniel Tompkins: Who served as Vice President of the United States under President James Monroe
List of Lieutenant Governors of New York
Here is a list of the Lieutenant Governors of New York since 1975:
Lieutenant Governor | Term | Party |
---|---|---|
Mario Cuomo | 1975-1983 | Democratic |
Stan Lundine | 1983-1995 | Democratic |
Betsy McCaughey Ross | 1995-1999 | Republican |
Timothy M. Bishop | 1999-2002 | Democratic |
Peter F. Valenti | 2002-2007 | Democratic |
Richard Ravitch | 2009-2010 | Independent |
Robert Duffy | 2011-2015 | Democratic |
Kathy Hochul | 2015-2021 | Democratic |
Brian Benjamin | 2021-2022 | Democratic |
Brian Benjamin | 2022-present | Democratic |
Interesting Facts
- Longest-Serving Lieutenant Governor: Stan Lundine served as Lieutenant Governor from 1983 to 1995, a total of 12 years.
- Shortest-Serving Lieutenant Governor: Peter F. Valenti served as Lieutenant Governor for only 11 days in 2002.
- Female Lieutenant Governors: Kathy Hochul is the first female Lieutenant Governor of New York, serving since 2015. Mary Anne Krupsak was the first female Lieutenant Governor, serving from 1975 to 1979.
In conclusion, the Lieutenant Governor of New York is a vital office that plays a crucial role in the state government. The current Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, has a long history of public service and is committed to serving the people of New York. With her duties and responsibilities as the President of the Senate and the Governor’s representative, she is an important figure in state politics.