Who is the Missouri Lieutenant Governor?
The Missouri lieutenant governor is the second-highest official in the state government of Missouri, USA. The lieutenant governor is elected alongside the governor in a statewide election and serves a four-year term. The lieutenant governor is responsible for supporting the governor and taking over as governor if the governor is unable to serve.
History of the Office
The office of the lieutenant governor was established in 1826, when Missouri became the 24th state to join the United States. The first lieutenant governor of Missouri was Alexander McNair, who served from 1826 to 1832. Since then, there have been a total of 53 lieutenant governors, with the current officeholder being Brenda Shields.
Duties and Responsibilities
The lieutenant governor has several key duties and responsibilities, including:
• Supporting the Governor: The lieutenant governor provides support to the governor and serves as a liaison between the governor and the legislature.
• Presiding over the Senate: The lieutenant governor presides over the Missouri Senate and has the power to cast a tie-breaking vote in the event of a deadlock.
• Taking over as Governor: In the event that the governor is unable to serve, the lieutenant governor takes over as governor and serves until the governor is able to resume duties or until a new governor is elected.
• Appointing Committee Members: The lieutenant governor has the power to appoint members to various committees and commissions.
• Representing the State: The lieutenant governor represents the state at various events and ceremonies, and serves as a ceremonial figurehead for the state.
Qualifications and Election
To be eligible to serve as lieutenant governor, a candidate must:
• Be at least 30 years old
• Be a resident of Missouri for at least two years prior to the election
• Be a qualified voter in Missouri
The lieutenant governor is elected in a statewide election, with the winner serving a four-year term. The election is held concurrently with the election for governor.
List of Missouri Lieutenant Governors
Here is a list of the 53 lieutenant governors of Missouri, including their term in office and the governor they served under:
| Lieutenant Governor | Term | Governor |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander McNair | 1826-1832 | Alexander McNair |
| John Miller | 1832-1836 | Daniel Dunklin |
| … | … | … |
| Mike Parson | 2018-2021 | Mike Parson |
| Brenda Shields | 2021-present | Brenda Shields |
Current Lieutenant Governor
The current lieutenant governor of Missouri is Brenda Shields, who was elected in 2020 and took office on January 11, 2021. Shields is a Republican and has been a strong supporter of Governor Mike Parson’s agenda. Prior to her election as lieutenant governor, Shields served as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Missouri lieutenant governor is a vital part of the state government, providing support to the governor and taking over as governor if necessary. The lieutenant governor has several key duties and responsibilities, including presiding over the Senate, appointing committee members, and representing the state. The office has a long history in Missouri, dating back to 1826, and has been held by 53 different individuals to date.
