Who is Virginiaʼs lieutenant governor?

Who is Virginiaʼs Lieutenant Governor?

The Lieutenant Governor of Virginia is the second-highest executive office in the state government of Virginia. The Lieutenant Governor serves alongside the Governor of Virginia and inherits the office of Governor in the event of a vacancy or incapacitation. Let’s dive deeper into who is Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor.

Who is Current Lieutenant Governor of Virginia?

As of 2022, the current Lieutenant Governor of Virginia is Winsome Sears (R). She was sworn into office in January 2022, following her victory in the 2021 Virginia general election. Sears is an American politician and educator, serving as the first Republican and the first African-American to hold the office in more than 80 years.

History of Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor

Prior to 1976: The Lieutenant Governor’s office was established in the 1700s during the colonial era. For the first 200 years, the Lieutenant Governor role was largely ceremonial, carrying out duties such as adjourning the General Assembly. The office underwent significant changes in 1618, when the Assembly created the office of Chief Lieutenant, responsible for supporting the Governor.

In the 20th and 21st centuries:
In 1976, the Virginia Constitution became effective, granting the Lieutenant Governor more significant powers, including the ability to perform specific duties when the Governor is absent or unable to act. In 1979, the Lieutenant Governor’s role was further modernized, with the inclusion of the "Governorship" clause, solidifying the Lieutenant Governor’s rights to assume the office if the Governor becomes incapacitated or resigns.

Key Responsibilities of the Virginia Lieutenant Governor

As one of the state’s elected officials, the Lieutenant Governor has several primary responsibilities:

• The right to preside over the Virginia State Senate and cast tie-breaking votes, if necessary.
• Assume the role of Governor in cases where the Governor is incapable or resigns.
• Serve as Acting Governor when the Governor is out of the state.
• Appoint Boards and Commissions – as designated by the General Assembly.
• Make Public Appearances, serving as a representative for the state and its inhabitants.
• Support initiatives, working closely with the Governor and other members of the Executive Branch on legislative and policy matters.
• Oversee statewide issues, such as Education, Public Safety, Health, and Transportation.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Unique Challenges

As a position often overshadowed by that of the Governor, Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor faces:

• Limited visibility and power: compared to that of the Governor, creating difficulties in asserting their duties and responsibilities.
• Dependence on circumstances: the Lieutenant Governor often must wait for a vacant office or an incapacitation before exercising significant authority, leaving them in a delicate situation.
• Increased scrutiny: with the pressures of being a high-level government official, the Lieutenant Governor must navigate the tightrope between fulfilling obligations and maintaining public trust and credibility.

Notable Moments in Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor History

While Sears is the first Lieutenant Governor to make history by breaking the 80+ year streak, there were several notable moments in her predecessor’s tenure:

In 2018:
Justin Fairfax (D), the youngest and first African-American Democrat to hold the office in nearly 200 years, made headlines when he survived multiple attempts to impeach him, amid allegations of sexual assault.

Trendy Facts and Infographics

• Winning Margin: In both the 2021 primary and general elections, winsome Sears won by over 10% or more.
• Population Share: Virginia’s roughly 8.6 million inhabitants are roughly 72% White, with significant minority populations, mainly African American and Asian.
• Political Divide: Virginia lies near the midpoint of US state political leanings: 53% Liberal, 43% Conservative, making the state a battleground area.
• Education Gap: Virginia has a surprisingly low 25% of its population holding a four-year college degree, behind the median of 33% amongst other states.

Timeline: Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor Office

To recap, Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor plays a vital but often overlooked role in shaping the state’s government, as seen through the election and tenure of Winsome Sears. While the job can be challenging, serving alongside the Governor and within the Executive Branch, our research highlights the significance and scope of this position throughout history.