Lieutenant gubernatorial elections, 2016

2017 →

<- 2015

2016 State Executive Elections

* * *

2016 Top Ballot
Governor • Lt. Governor
Secretary of State • Attorney General

* * *

2016 Down Ballot
Agriculture Commissioner • Auditor
Comptroller • Insurance Commissioner
Labor Commissioner
Natural Resources Commissioner
Public Education Commission
Public Service Commissioner
Superintendent of Schools • Treasurer
Previous Elections
2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010

Nine states held lieutenant gubernatorial elections on November 8, 2016.

HIGHLIGHTS

* In recent years, the role of lieutenant governor has become increasingly important in state governments and the office is often regarded as a stepping stone to more powerful positions.

* In states with strong lieutenant governorships, the officeholder can play a pivotal role in passing legislation through the state senate.

* Four states in the 2016 election cycle elected their governor and lieutenant governor on a single ticket.

* One seat changed party hands in 2016--Democrats picked up the lieutenant governorship in Vermont after an open election.

## Contents

* 1 Overview
* 2 Partisan analysis
* 2.1 Party control
* 2.2 Trifecta gains and losses
* 2.3 Influence of voter turnout
* 3 Elections by state
* 3.1 Delaware
* 3.2 General election
* 3.3 Primary election
* 3.4 Indiana
* 3.5 Candidates to fill Republican ballot vacancies
* 3.5.1 Governor
* 3.5.2 Lieutenant governor
* 3.6 General election
* 3.7 Democratic primary election
* 3.8 Republican primary election
* 3.9 Missouri
* 3.10 Defeated in the primary elections
* 3.10.1 Other candidates
* 3.11 Declined
* 3.12 Withdrew
* 3.13 General election
* 3.14 Primary elections
* 3.14.1 Democratic primary election
* 3.14.2 Republican primary election
* 3.14.3 Libertarian primary election
* 3.15 Montana
* 3.15.1 Defeated in the primary elections
* 3.15.2 Declined
* 3.16 General election
* 3.17 Primary elections
* 3.17.1 Republican primary contest
* 3.17.2 Democratic primary contest
* 3.17.3 Libertarian primary contest
* 3.18 North Carolina
* 3.18.1 Defeated
* 3.18.2 Withdrew
* 3.19 General election
* 3.20 Primary elections
* 3.20.1 Democratic primary election
* 3.20.1.1 Primary election results
* 3.20.2 Republican primary election
* 3.21 North Dakota
* 3.21.1 Defeated
* 3.21.2 Declined
* 3.22 General election
* 3.23 Primary elections
* 3.24 Utah
* 3.24.1 Defeated at the conventions
* 3.24.2 Defeated in the primary elections
* 3.25 General election
* 3.26 Primary election
* 3.27 Vermont
* 3.28 General election
* 3.29 Primary elections
* 3.29.1 Democratic primary election
* 3.29.2 Republican primary election
* 3.29.3 Progressive primary election
* 3.30 Washington
* 3.30.1 Defeated in the primary election
* 3.30.1.1 Other candidates
* 3.30.2 Declined
* 4 About the office
* 5 Powers and duties of the office
* 6 Elected or appointed
* 7 Success running for governor
* 8 Past elections
* 8.1 2015
* 9 Recent news
* 9.1 Voter turnout
* 9.2 See also
* 9.3 External links
* 9.4 Footnotes

## Overview[edit]

In the United States, the office of lieutenant governor is the second-highest state executive office. The main duty of the lieutenant governor is to succeed the governor in the event he or she is temporarily absent from office, dies, resigns or is removed in trial by the legislative branch. Lieutenant governors also often serve on key task forces and, in some states, are influential figures in the state senate. Click here to learn more about the duties of a lieutenant governor.

Nine states held elections for lieutenant governor in 2016, including four states in which the position is elected on a joint ticket with the governor: Indiana, Montana, North Dakota and Utah. In all four of those states, the party of the winning ticket determined the trifecta status of the state. None of those states experienced a change in partisan control of the governorship or lieutenant governorship. One lieutenant governorship changed party hands in 2016--Democrat Bethany Hall-Long won Vermont's seat after incumbent Phillip Scott (R) declined to seek re-election.

Voter turnout is generally higher during presidential election years and elections across the country tend to favor the party of the winning presidential candidate.

Click on a state flag to jump to election details:

* Delaware
* Indiana
* Missouri

* Montana
* North Carolina
* North Dakota

* Utah
* Vermont
* Washington

|
|

## Partisan analysis[edit]

### Party control[edit]

The chart below is a breakdown of the political parties pertaining to the state executive office of lieutenant governor. For other state executive offices, click here.

Partisan Breakdown: Lieutenant Governors

Party  | As of November 2016  | After the 2016 Election
| Democratic Party | 13 | 14
| Republican Party | 32 | 31
Total |  45 |  45

The partisan breakdown of lieutenant governors remained largely unchanged after the 2014 elections, with Republicans gaining two seats. Heading into the 2016 elections, Republicans held six of the nine seats up for election; Democrats held two.[1] Both parties were therefore at equal relative risk of gaining or losing partisan dominance over lieutenant governorships this election year. Only one lieutenant governorship changed party hands in 2016--Democrat Bethany Hall-Long won Vermont's seat after incumbent Phillip Scott (R) declined to seek re-election.

### Trifecta gains and losses[edit]

In states where the governor and lieutenant governor are elected together on a single ticket, the party of the winning ticket determined the trifecta status of the state. In the 2016 elections, Indiana, Utah, Montana and North Dakota elected their governors and lieutenant governors on a single ticket. Republicans have trifecta control in Indiana, North Dakota and Utah. If Republicans had lost the governorship in those states, the trifecta would have broken. Montana had a split government with a Democratic governor and a Republican-majority legislature. If Republicans had won the joint ticket in 2016, they would have gained trifecta control. None of the joint ticket states experienced a change in partisan control after the 2016 elections.

### Influence of voter turnout[edit]

Lieutenant governor elections across the country coincided with what was a highly competitive presidential election, which drove up voter turnout.[2] This increased turnout during presidential election years can significantly affect the partisan balance of state governments. In particular, offices elected during mid-presidential term elections disadvantage the party of the current president, a trend that has remained relatively constant since the Civil War. Presidential election years see aggregate gains for the party of the winning presidential candidate.[3][2]

Thirty states held lieutenant governor elections in 2014, equal to 70 percent of the 43 states in which the position is popularly elected. That same year, voter turnout was the lowest recorded since 1942.[4] Voter turnout has dropped during mid-presidential term elections since the 1840s.[3] This means a large majority of lieutenant governors are elected during these midterm cycles that see significantly lower turnout.

## Elections by state[edit]

### Delaware[edit]

Main article: Delaware Lieutenant Gubernatorial election, 2016

To view election information for this state, click [show] to expand the full section.

|

Bethany Hall-Long (D)
State senator since 2009

* * *

La Mar Gunn (R)
Investment banker

* * *

| Click [show] to view candidates who were defeated in the primary elections.|

|

Brad Eaby (D)
Kent County Levy Court commissioner since 2007

* * *

Greg Fuller (D)
Former Sussex County register of wills, 2008-2010

* * *

Kathy McGuiness (D)
Rehoboth Beach commissioner; 2000-2012, 2014-present

* * *

Ciro Poppiti III (D)
New Castle County register of wills since 2010

* * *

Sherry Dorsey Walker (D)
Wilmington councilwoman since 2012

* * *

### General election[edit]

Bethany Hall-Long defeated La Mar Gunn in the Delaware lieutenant governor election. Delaware Lieutenant Governor, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  |  Bethany Hall-Long | 59.44% | 248,141
| Republican  | La Mar Gunn | 40.56% | 169,291
Total Votes | 417,432
Source: Delaware Secretary of State

### Primary election[edit]

The following candidates ran in the Delaware Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Delaware Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Bethany Hall-Long | 29.09% | 18,326
Sherry Dorsey Walker | 21.82% | 13,748
Kathy McGuiness | 17.24% | 10,860
Ciro Poppiti III | 17.21% | 10,835
Greg Fuller | 9.05% | 5,701
Brad Eaby | 5.59% | 3,522
Total Votes | 62,992
Source: Delaware Department of Elections

### Indiana[edit]

Main article: Indiana Lieutenant Gubernatorial election, 2016

To view election information for this state, click [show] to expand the full section.

|

In Indiana, the governor and lieutenant governor are elected together on a joint ticket.

John Gregg (D)
Gubernatorial candidate
Former state speaker of the house

Christina Hale (D)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
State representative

* * *

Eric Holcomb (R)
Gubernatorial candidate
Lieutenant governor of Indiana

Suzanne Crouch (R)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Indiana state auditor

* * *

Rex Bell (Lib.)
Gubernatorial candidate
Owner, Bell Contracting

Karl Tatgenhorst (Lib.)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
IT consultant

* * *

Adam Adkins (Ind.)
Gubernatorial candidate
Construction business owner

* * *

Christopher Stried (Ind.)
Gubernatorial candidate
Independent television producer

* * *

| Click [show] to view candidates who declined to run in this election.|

|

* Tom Sugar (D) - Former chief of staff to former Governor Evan Bayh (D)[5][6]

* Karen Tallian (D) - Indiana state senator[7]

* Glenda Ritz (D) - Indiana superintendent of public instruction[8]

* Bill Oesterle (R) - Former CEO of Angie's List[9][10]

### Candidates to fill Republican ballot vacancies[edit]

#### Governor[edit]

The 2016 Republican ticket for governor became unexpectedly vacant on July 15, 2016, when Governor Mike Pence (R) withdrew from the race in order to run for vice president alongside presidential candidate Donald Trump (R). According to Indiana state law, ballot vacancies for statewide offices may be filled by the party's state committee within 30 days of the date the first candidate withdrew--in this case, 30 days from July 15, 2016.[11]

Click [show] to view candidates who ran but were not selected to fill the ballot vacancy for governor.|

|

Susan Brooks (R)
Most recent position: U.S. Rep. for Indiana's 5th Congressional District since 2013
Past experience: U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, 2001-2007

Todd Rokita (R)
Most recent position: U.S. Rep. for Indiana's 4th Congressional District since 2011
Past experience: Indiana secretary of state, 2002-2010

Jim Tomes (R)
Most recent position: State Sen. since 2011
Past experience: Trucking teamster and union steward

#### Lieutenant governor[edit]

On July 29, Holcomb announced that State Auditor Suzanne Crouch (R) would join his ticket as the party's candidate for lieutenant governor. The state committee met on August 1 to formally nominate Crouch.[12]

### General election[edit]

Indiana Governor, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Eric Holcomb and Suzanne Crouch | 51.4% | 1,396,460
| Democratic  | John Gregg and Christina Hale | 45.4% | 1,234,546
| Libertarian  | Rex Bell and Karl Tatgenhorst | 3.2% | 86,964
| Independent  | Adam Adkins | 0.00% | 14
| Independent  | Christopher Stried | 0.00% | 8
Total Votes | 2,717,992
Source: Indiana Election Division

### Democratic primary election[edit]

Indiana Governor Democratic Primary, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  |  John Gregg (unopposed) | 100.00% | 547,375
Total Votes | 547,375
Source: Indiana Secretary of State

### Republican primary election[edit]

Indiana Governor Republican Primary, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Mike Pence Incumbent (unopposed) | 100.00% | 815,699
Total Votes | 815,699
Source: Indiana Secretary of State

### Missouri[edit]

Main article: Missouri Lieutenant Gubernatorial election, 2016

To view election information for this state, click [show] to expand the full section.

|

Russ Carnahan (D)
U.S. congressman, 2005 to 2013

* * *

Mike Parson (R)
State Sen.

* * *

Steven Hedrick (Lib.)
2014 candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives

* * *

Jake Wilburn (write-in)
Healthcare safety

* * *

Jennifer Leach (Green Party)
Musician, former automotive worker

* * *

| Click [show] to see candidates who were defeated in the primary elections, declined to run, or withdrew from this race.|

|

### Defeated in the primary elections

Winston Apple (D)
Musician

* * *

Tommie Pierson (D)
State Rep. since 2011

* * *

Bev Randles (R)
Private practice attorney

* * *

#### Other candidates

Ballotpedia uses a variety of standards to determine which candidates will feature prominently in a given race.

AC Dienoff (R) \- 2012 candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives[13]

### Declined

Brad Bradshaw (D) \- physician and attorney[14]
Jason Holsman (D) \- state senator
Peter Kinder (R) \- incumbent

### Withdrew

Mary Bower (write-in)[15]

### General election[edit]

Mike Parson defeated Russ Carnahan, Steven Hedrick, Jennifer Leach, and Jake Wilburn in the Missouri lieutenant governor election. Missouri Lieutenant Governor, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Mike Parson | 55.18% | 1,262,751
| Democratic  | Russ Carnahan | 39.99% | 915,221
| Libertarian  | Steven Hedrick | 2.48% | 56,804
| Green  | Jennifer Leach | 2.33% | 53,273
| Write-in  | Jake Wilburn | 0.02% | 405
Total Votes | 2,288,454
Source: Missouri Secretary of State

### Primary elections[edit]

#### Democratic primary election[edit]

Russ Carnahan defeated Tommie Pierson and Winston Apple in the Missouri Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Missouri Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Russ Carnahan | 75.93% | 243,157
Tommie Pierson | 12.09% | 38,700
Winston Apple | 11.98% | 38,372
Total Votes (3214 of 3214 precincts reporting) | 320,229
Source: Missouri Secretary of State

#### Republican primary election[edit]

Mike Parson defeated Bev Randles and AC Dienoff in the Missouri Republican primary for lieutenant governor. Missouri Republican primary for lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Mike Parson | 51.50% | 331,367
Bev Randles | 43.85% | 282,134
AC Dienoff | 4.64% | 29,872
Total Votes (3214 of 3214 precincts reporting) | 643,373
Source: Missouri Secretary of State

#### Libertarian primary election[edit]

Steven Hedrick ran unopposed in the Missouri Libertarian primary for lieutenant governor. Missouri Libertarian primary for lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Steven Hedrick (unopposed) | 100.00% | 3,507
Total Votes (3214 of 3214 precincts reporting) | 3,507
Source: Missouri Secretary of State

### Montana[edit]

Main article: Montana Lieutenant Gubernatorial election, 2016

To view election information for this state, click [show] to expand the full section.

|

The Lieutenant Governor of Montana is elected on a joint ticket with the governor. The candidate list and results listed below reflect a single election for these two offices.
In Montana, the governor and lieutenant governor are elected together on a joint ticket.

Steve Bullock (D)
Gubernatorial candidate
Incumbent governor

Mike Cooney (D)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Incumbent lieutenant governor

* * *

Greg Gianforte (R)
Gubernatorial candidate
Businessman

Lesley Robinson (R)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Phillips County commissioner

* * *

Ted Dunlap (Lib.)
Gubernatorial candidate
Designer, writer, publisher

Ron Vandevender (Lib.)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Farmer, rancher

* * *

Casey Filler (Ind.)
Gubernatorial candidate
Rancher

* * *

Christopher Zarcone (Ind.)
Gubernatorial candidate
Unknown

* * *

| Click show to view candidates who were defeated in the primary election or declined to run in this election.|

|

#### Defeated in the primary elections

Bill McChesney (D)
Gubernatorial candidate
Former state representative

Mike Anderson (D)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Carpenter

* * *

Terry Nelson (R)
Gubernatorial candidate
Planning administrator, Ravalli County

Niki Sardot (R)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
GOP chair in Ravalli County

* * *

#### Declined

Declined

* Brad Johnson (R) - Chairman of the Montana Public Services Commission

* Tim Fox (R) - Attorney General of Montana[16]

* Mark Perea (R) - Businessman

### General election[edit]

Incumbent Steve Bullock & Mike Cooney defeated Greg Gianforte & Lesley Robinson, Ted Dunlap & Ron Vandevender, Casey Filler, and Christopher Zarcone in the Montana governor election. Montana Governor, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  |  Steve Bullock & Mike Cooney Incumbent | 50.25% | 255,933
| Republican  | Greg Gianforte & Lesley Robinson | 46.36% | 236,115
| Libertarian  | Ted Dunlap & Ron Vandevender | 3.40% | 17,312
| Independent  | Casey Filler | 0.00% | 0
| Independent  | Christopher Zarcone | 0.00% | 0
Total Votes | 509,360
Source: Montana Secretary of State

### Primary elections[edit]

#### Republican primary contest[edit]

Republican primary for Montana governor and lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Greg Gianforte and Lesley Robinson | 76.3% | 111,348
Terry Nelson and Niki Sardot  | 23.7% | 34,600
Total Votes | 145,948
Election results via Montana Secretary of State 686 of 686 precincts reporting.

#### Democratic primary contest[edit]

Democratic primary for Montana governor and lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Steve Bullock and Mike Cooney (incumbents) | 91.2% | 111,675
Bill McChesney and Mike Anderson  | 8.8% | 10,744
Total Votes | 122,419
Election results via Montana Secretary of State 686 of 686 precincts reporting.

#### Libertarian primary contest[edit]

Libertarian primary for Montana governor and lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Ted Dunlap and Ron Vandevender | 100% | 0
Total Votes | 0
Election results via Montana Secretary of State 686 of 686 precincts reporting.

### North Carolina[edit]

Main article: North Carolina Lieutenant Gubernatorial election, 2016

To view election information for this state, click [show] to expand the full section.

|

Linda Coleman (D)
Former director of state personnel, former state rep.

* * *

Dan Forest (R)
Lieutenant governor since 2013

* * *

Jacki Cole (Lib.)
Technology sales and marketing professional

* * *

| Click [show] to view candidates who were defeated in the primary elections or declined to run in this race.|

|

#### Defeated

* Holly Jones (D) - YWCA director of member services[17]

* Ronald Newton (D) - Durham, N.C., businessman[18]

* Robert Wilson (D) - retired state employee[19]

#### Withdrew

J. J. Summerell (Lib.)
Most recent position: Chair of the Libertarian Party of North Carolina[20]
Past experience: Benefits communications and enrollment firm manager[20]

### General election[edit]

Incumbent Dan Forest defeated Linda Coleman and Jacki Cole in the North Carolina lieutenant governor election. North Carolina Lieutenant Governor, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Dan Forest Incumbent | 51.87% | 2,370,028
| Democratic  | Linda Coleman | 45.28% | 2,068,741
| Libertarian  | Jacki Cole | 2.85% | 130,236
Total Votes | 4,569,005
Source: ABC11

### Primary elections[edit]

#### Democratic primary election[edit]

##### Primary election results[edit]

North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Democratic Primary, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Linda Coleman | 51.1% | 500,128
Holly Jones  | 28.7% | 281,132
Robert Earl Wilson  | 10.5% | 102,870
Ronald L. Newton  | 9.6% | 94,312
Total Votes | 978,442
Election results via North Carolina State Board of Elections.

#### Republican primary election[edit]

Incumbent Dan Forest (R) was unopposed for the Republican nomination and did not appear on the primary election ballot.

### North Dakota[edit]

Main article: North Dakota Lieutenant Gubernatorial election, 2016

To view election information for this state, click [show] to expand the full section.

|

The Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota is elected on a joint ticket with the governor. The candidates and results listed below reflect a single election for the two offices; candidates for lieutenant governor will be added as gubernatorial candidates select running mates or after the filing deadline.
In North Dakota, the governor and lieutenant governor are elected together on a joint ticket.

Marvin Nelson (D)
Gubernatorial candidate
State representative

Joan Heckaman (D)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
State senator

* * *

Doug Burgum (R)
Gubernatorial candidate
Former Microsoft executive

Brent Sanford (R)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Watford City mayor

* * *

Marty Riske (Lib.)
Gubernatorial candidate
Technology executive

Joshua Voytek (Lib.)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Restaurant manager

* * *

| Click show to see a list of candidates who were defeated in the primary elections or declined to run in this race.|

|

#### Defeated

Wayne Stenehjem (R)
Gubernatorial candidate
Attorney general of North Dakota

Nicole Poolman (R)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
State senator

* * *

Paul Sorum (R)
Gubernatorial candidate
Business owner

Michael Coachman (R)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Human resources executive

* * *

#### Declined

* Rick Becker (R) - state representative, defeated at the GOP convention[21]
* Jack Dalrymple (R) - Incumbent[22][23]

* Drew Wrigley  (R) - North Dakota lieutenant governor[24]

### General election[edit]

Doug Burgum and Brent Sanford defeated Marvin Nelson and Joan Heckaman and Marty Riske and Joshua Voytek in the North Dakota governor election. North Dakota Governor, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Doug Burgum and Brent Sanford | 76.52% | 259,863
| Democratic  | Marvin Nelson and Joan Heckaman | 19.39% | 65,855
| Libertarian  | Marty Riske and Joshua Voytek | 3.90% | 13,230
|  | Write-in votes | 0.19% | 653
Total Votes | 339,601
Source: North Dakota Secretary of State

### Primary elections[edit]

Marvin Nelson ran unopposed in the Democratic primary for governor and lieutenant governor. Democratic primary for governor and lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Marvin Nelson (unopposed) | 99.66% | 17,278
Write-in votes | 0.34% | 59
Total Votes (432 of 432 precincts reporting) | 17,337
Source: North Dakota Secretary of State

Doug Burgum defeated Wayne Stenehjem and Paul Sorum in the Republican primary for governor and lieutenant governor. Republican primary for governor and lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Doug Burgum | 59.47% | 68,042
Wayne Stenehjem | 38.59% | 44,158
Paul Sorum | 1.89% | 2,164
Write-in votes | 0.04% | 51
Total Votes (432 of 432 precincts reporting) | 114,415
Source: North Dakota Secretary of State

Marty Riske ran unopposed in the Libertarian primary for governor and lieutenant governor. Libertarian primary for governor and lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Marty Riske (unopposed) | 99.36% | 1,088
Write-in votes | 0.64% | 7
Total Votes (432 of 432 precincts reporting) | 1,095
Source: North Dakota Secretary of State

### Utah[edit]

Main article: Utah Lieutenant Gubernatorial election, 2016

To view election information for this state, click [show] to expand the full section.

|

The Lieutenant Governor of Utah is elected on a joint ticket with the governor. The candidates and results listed below reflect a single election for the two offices; candidates for lieutenant governor will be added as gubernatorial candidates select running mates or after the filing deadline.
In Utah, the governor and lieutenant governor are elected together on a joint ticket.

Gary Herbert (R)
Gubernatorial candidate
Incumbent governor

Spencer Cox (R)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Incumbent lieutenant governor

* * *

Mike Weinholtz (D)
Gubernatorial candidate
Healthcare executive

Kim Bowman (D)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Attorney

* * *

Brian Kamerath (Lib.)
Gubernatorial candidate
Secretary of the Libertarian Party of Utah

Barry Short (Lib.)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Business owner

* * *

Dell Schanze (IAP)
Gubernatorial candidate
Businessman

Gregory Duerden (IAP)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
Businessman

* * *

L. S. Brown (write-in)
Gubernatorial candidate
Retired dentist

* * *

| Click show to view candidates defeated at the party conventions or in the primary elections.|

|

#### Defeated at the conventions

* Vaughn R. Cook (D) \- Oriental medical doctor
* Jan Garbett (D), running mate \- Home development business owner
* Carlos Tavares Jr. (R) \- President of Balgrave Corporation

* Nate Jensen (R) \- Software architect
* Ken Larsen (Lib.) \- 2012 Libertarian candidate for Utah governor

* Gary R Van Horn (Independent American) \- 2010 and 2014 state representative candidate

#### Defeated in the primary elections

Jonathan Johnson (R)
Gubernatorial candidate
Overstock.com executive

Robyn Bagley (R)
Lieutenant gubernatorial candidate
High school principal

* * *

### General election[edit]

Incumbents Gary Herbert and Spencer Cox defeated Mike Weinholtz and Kim Bowman, Brian Kamerath and Barry Short, Dell Schanze and Gregory Duerden, and L.S. Brown in the Utah governor and lieutenant governor election. Utah Governor, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  |  Gary Herbert and Spencer Cox Incumbent | 66.75% | 750,828
| Democratic  | Mike Weinholtz and Kim Bowman | 28.67% | 322,462
| Libertarian  | Brian Kamerath and Barry Short | 3.08% | 34,687
| Independent American Party  | Dell Schanze and Gregory Duerden | 1.51% | 16,936
| Write-in  | L.S. Brown | 0.00% | 0
Total Votes | 1,124,913
Source: Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office-Elections

### Primary election[edit]

Utah Republican primary for governor and lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Gary Herbert and Spencer Cox (incumbents) | 72.1% | 165,678
Jonathan Johnson (Utah) and Robyn Bagley | 27.9% | 63,978
Total Votes | 229,656
Election results via Utah Secretary of State; all precincts reporting.

### Vermont[edit]

Main article: Vermont Lieutenant Gubernatorial election, 2016

To view election information for this state, click [show] to expand the full section.

|

David Zuckerman (D, Progressive)
State Sen. since 2013

* * *

Randy Brock (R)
State Sen., 2009-2013

* * *

Boots Wardinski* (Liberty Union Party)
Organic farmer, horse logger

* * *

*Under Vermont law, candidates may run for the same office under multiple party affiliations. Wardinski filed for the governor's race both as a Progressive Party candidate and as a Liberty Union Party candidate. Wardinski was defeated by state Sen. David Zuckerman in the August 9 Progressive primary election, but will still appear on the general election ballot on the Liberty Union ticket.

|  | Click [show] to view candidates who were defeated in the primary elections.|

|

Shap Smith (D)
Most recent position: State Speaker of the House since 2009
Past experience: State Rep. since 2003, private practice attorney

Kesha Ram (D)
Most recent position: State Rep. since 2009
Past experience: Public engagement specialist, City of Burlington

Boots Wardinski (Progressive)
Most recent position: Organic farmer, horse logger
Past experience: U.S. Marine Corps

Click [show] to view candidates who declined to run in this election|

|

Declined
Garrett Graff (D) - journalist[25][26]
Brandon Riker (D) - political organizer and entrepreneur[27]
Louis Meyers (Ind.) - physician[26]

### General election[edit]

David Zuckerman defeated Randy Brock and Boots Wardinski in the Vermont lieutenant governor election. Vermont Lieutenant Governor, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic/Progressive  |  David Zuckerman | 52.18% | 159,738
| Republican  | Randy Brock | 45.52% | 139,344
| Liberty Union Party  | Boots Wardinski | 2.30% | 7,038
Total Votes | 306,120
Source: Vermont Secretary of State

### Primary elections[edit]

#### Democratic primary election[edit]

David Zuckerman defeated Shap Smith and Kesha Ram in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
David Zuckerman | 42.70% | 31,027
Shap Smith | 36.56% | 26,569
Kesha Ram | 16.70% | 12,133
Write-in votes | 4.04% | 2,936
Total Votes (275 of 275 Precincts Reporting) | 72,665
Source: Vermont Secretary of State

#### Republican primary election[edit]

Randy Brock ran unopposed in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor. Republican primary for lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Randy Brock (unopposed) | 80.53% | 37,361
Write-in votes | 19.47% | 9,033
Total Votes (275 of 275 Precincts Reporting) | 46,394
Source: Vermont Secretary of State

#### Progressive primary election[edit]

David Zuckerman (write-in) defeated Boots Wardinski in the Progressive primary for lieutenant governor. Progressive primary for lieutenant governor, 2016

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
David Zuckerman (write-in) | 39.58% | 228
Boots Wardinski | 26.04% | 150
Write-in votes | 34.38% | 198
Total Votes (275 of 275 Precincts Reporting) | 576
Source: Vermont Secretary of State

### Washington[edit]

Main article: Washington Lieutenant Gubernatorial election, 2016

To view election information for this state, click [show] to expand the full section.

|

Cyrus Habib (D)
Most recent position: State Sen. since 2015
Past experience: State Rep. from 2013 to 2015

Marty McClendon (R)
Most recent position: Radio host
Past experience: Anesthesia technician

Click show to the right to view candidates who were defeated in the primary election or who declined to run in this race.|

|

#### Defeated in the primary election

Karen Fraser (D)
Most recent position: State Sen. since 1993
Past experience: State Rep. from 1989 to 1992

Steve Hobbs (D)
Most recent position: State Sen. since 2007
Past experience: U.S. Army Reserve captain

Javier Figueroa (R)
Most recent position: Mayor of University Place since January 2016
Past experience: Business arbitrator, real estate asset manager

Phillip Yin (R)
Most recent position: Investor, journalist
Past experience: Anchor for Bloomberg Television and CNBC Asia

Paul Addis (Lib.)
Most recent position: Senior business analyst, Alaska Airlines
Past experience: Auditor, Delta Airlines; vice president, Belltown Community Council, 2014

##### Other candidates

Ballotpedia uses a variety of standards to determine which candidates will feature prominently in a given race.

Bill Penor (R)
Karen Wallace (D)
Daniel Davies (Ind.)
Mark Greene (Citizens Party)

#### Declined

James Moeller (D) - state representative[28]

Brad Owen (D) - Incumbent[29]

## About the office[edit]

In the United States, the office of lieutenant governor is the second-highest executive office in a state and is nominally subordinate to the governor. In the U.S., the main duty of the lieutenant governor is to act as governor should the governor be temporarily absent from the office. In addition, the lieutenant governor generally succeeds a governor who dies, resigns or is removed in trial by the legislative branch. In most states, the lieutenant governor then becomes governor, with the title and its associated salary, office, and privileges. In a few states, like Massachusetts, the lieutenant governor instead becomes "acting governor" until the next election.

Other than this primary constitutional duty, most state constitutions do not prescribe the duties of the lieutenant governor in detail.

In Alaska, Hawaii, New Jersey and Utah, the position of lieutenant governor is equivalent to that of secretary of state. In Tennessee and West Virginia, the President of the Senate also serves as lieutenant governor.

# Powers and duties of the office[edit]

Though the office of lieutenant governor has historically been weak, recent years have seen a greater number of duties assigned to the position. Many lieutenant governors oversee their state's homeland security and are also often appointed to lead special task forces charged with investigating and recommending key policy decisions in areas such as healthcare, workforce development and drug addiction.[30] Perhaps most importantly, the lieutenant governor presides over the state senate ex-officio in 25 states and often casts the deciding vote in the event of a tie.[31][32]

Texas, for example, has one of the strongest lieutenant governorships in the country which, as The Texas Observer points out, is arguably more powerful than the governorship.[33] The Lieutenant Governor of Texas has extensive powers within the State Senate, including the appointment of committee chairs and the direction of bills through those committees and onto the Senate floor for a vote.[34]

However, these constitutionally granted powers are vague and the extent to which a lieutenant governor participates in the senate has frequently been challenged in court with varying results. For example, in the 1907 case Kelley v. Secretary of State, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the lieutenant governor, as an unofficial member of the senate, could not cast a tie-breaking vote despite a constitutional provision stating otherwise; Kentucky's Supreme Court ruled the exact opposite in 1930. [35][36] Some states have enacted legislation weakening the power of the lieutenant governor in the state senate, granting the senate power to overrule him or her, or establishing more detailed procedures in the event of a tie vote.[31][37]

Lieutenant governorships are also frequently regarded as a stepping stone to higher offices, particularly the governor's office. Additionally, recent years have seen lieutenant governors vacating their seats in favor of assuming more powerful policy positions at universities or on national task forces.[30]

# Elected or appointed[edit]

43 states directly elect Lt. Governors. Only two states - Tennessee and West Virginia - do not.

Only two states do not have direct elections for lieutenant governor - Tennessee and West Virginia. In both states, whomever is elected the President of the State Senate is the de facto lieutenant governor. In Tennessee, the full title of this individual is, "Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Senate." In West Virginia, recent legislation allows the Senate President to use the title, "lieutenant governor." Prior to that change, West Virginia did not have a lieutenant governor.

Of the 43 states that elect lieutenant governors, there are three methods by which officeholders are chosen:

* on a single ticket in both the primary and general elections (21 states)
* Colorado • Connecticut • Florida • Hawaii • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Maryland • Michigan • Minnesota • Montana • Nebraska • New Jersey • New Mexico • North Dakota • Ohio • South Dakota • Utah • Wisconsin
* separately in the primary election; for the general election each party's ticket for Governor and Lt. Governor is made up of the highest vote getters in the separate primary elections (5 states)
* Alaska • Louisiana • Massachusetts • New York • Pennsylvania
* entirely separate elections for governor and lt. governor (17 states)
* Alabama • Arkansas • California • Delaware • Georgia • Idaho • Mississippi • Missouri • Nevada • North Carolina • Oklahoma • Rhode Island • South Carolina • Texas • Vermont • Virginia • Washington

# Success running for governor[edit]

An April 2013 Governing article looked at how lieutenant governors have performed in gubernatorial elections in recent history. According to the article, lieutenant governors made 55 attempts on the governor's office since the early 1990s. Of these 55 attempts, 17 won and 38 lost—a success rate of 31 percent.[38]

Governing's research covered about 25 years of electoral history. In that timeframe, Democratic lieutenant governors ran 37 times and Republican lieutenant governors ran 17 times, while only Independent lieutenant governor made a bid. Democratic lieutenant governors performed slightly better than their Republican counterparts overall, winning 35 percent of their gubernatorial contests, compared with 24 percent of Republicans. Those who ran unsuccessfully for governor often had difficulty recovering afterward. As the article notes, most of the losing lieutenant governors never won high office again.[38]

Virginia's lieutenant governors stood out for their relatively strong record of success. Since 1977, incumbent lieutenant governors in Virginia sought the governorship nine times and won four of them. In Virginia, governors are not allowed to serve two consecutive terms in office. This provides lieutenant governors with an advantage. University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato explained the situation, stating, "It's a part-time, poorly paid post whose occupants mainly spend their time running for governor." And due to Virginia's system, Sabato added, "being seen as in the wings is a big plus."[38]

# Past elections[edit]

### 2015[edit]

See also: State executive official elections, 2015

Three states were holding scheduled elections for lieutenant governor: Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi.

To view the full electoral history for lieutenant governors, click [show] to expand the full section.

|

2014

Main article: See also: State executive official elections, 2014

Thirty states held regularly scheduled lieutenant gubernatorial elections in the 2014 electoral cycle:

* Alabama
* Alaska
* Arkansas
* California
* Colorado
* Connecticut
* Florida
* Georgia
* Hawaii
* Idaho
* Illinois
* Iowa
* Kansas
* Maryland
* Massachusetts
* Michigan
* Minnesota
* Nebraska
* Nevada
* New Mexico
* New York
* Ohio
* Oklahoma
* Pennsylvania
* Rhode Island
* South Carolina
* South Dakota
* Texas
* Vermont
* Wisconsin

2013

Main article: State executive official elections, 2013

Two states held regularly scheduled lieutenant gubernatorial elections in the 2013 electoral cycle: New Jersey and Virginia. The general election took place November 5, 2013. There was no partisan switch in New Jersey, with Republican incumbent Kim Guadagno easily winning re-election on a ticket with Gov. Chris Christie. In Virginia, however, the seat switched from Republican to Democrat \- Ralph Northam (D) was elected to succeed incumbent Bill Bolling (R), who declined to run for re-election.

2012

Main article: State executive official elections, 2012

Nine states held lieutenant gubernatorial elections in 2012: Delaware, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Utah, Vermont and Washington. Of these nine states, the lieutenant governor and governor are elected on a single ticket in four - Indiana, Montana, North Dakota and Utah.

Two seats switched parties in 2012 - in Montana, John E. Walsh (D) succeeded John Bohlinger (R) who was term-limited, and in an extremely close race in North Carolina, Dan Forest (R) defeated Linda Coleman (D). Following the 2012 elections, Republicans held 30 seats while Democrats held 14.

2011

Main article: Lieutenant Governor elections, 2011

Three states \- Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi \- held lieutenant gubernatorial elections in the 2011 electoral cycle.

Additionally, West Virginia held a special election following a court order. However, as the Lieutenant Governor of West Virginia is a title accorded to the legislator elected as Senate President, their 2011 election did not actually include a ballot line for the lieutenant governor.

2010

Main article: Lieutenant Governor elections, 2010

Thirty-one states elected lieutenant governors in November 2010, a lower number than the record 37 gubernatorial races held that year due to the fact that six U.S. states at the time did not have an office of the lieutenant governor and that one state, Tennessee, automatically makes its Senate President Pro Tem into the lieutenant governor.

Ultimately, 21 of those 31 races would go to the GOP in what turned in to a wave election for the party. Fifteen races were on a shared ticket with the governor, five were on a semi-shared ticket - that is, the candidates ran separately in the primary and jointly in the general, and 11 were entirely separate elections.

Because 11 of the 17 states that conduct entirely separate elections for the governor and the lieutenant governor were on the 2010 slate, the possibility existed for increasing the number of split tickets. In the end, that happened in both Arkansas, where voters elected a Democratic governor and a Republican lieutenant governor, and in Rhode Island, with the election of an independent governor and a Democratic lieutenant governor. After the 2010 election, Arkansas and Rhode Island joined Missouri and Montana as being governed by two parties in the executive.

# Recent news[edit]

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms 'Lieutenant gubernatorial election' OR 'Lieutenant governor election' 2016. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

Lieutenant gubernatorial elections, 2016 - Google News

## Voter turnout[edit]

Political scientist Michael McDonald's United States Elections Project studied voter turnout in the 2014 election by looking at the percentage of eligible voters who headed to the polls. McDonald used voting-eligible population (VEP), or the number of eligible voters independent of their current registration status, to calculate turnout rates in each state on November 4. He also incorporated ballots cast for the highest office in each state into his calculation. He estimated that 81,687,059 ballots were cast in the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, representing 35.9 percent of the VEP.[39] By comparison, 61.6 percent of VEP voted in the 2008 presidential election and 58.2 percent of VEP voted in the 2012 presidential election.[40]

Quick facts

* According to PBS Newshour, voter turnout in the 2014 midterms was the lowest since the 1942 midterms, which took place during the nation's involvement in World War II.[41]

* Forty-three states and the District of Columbia did not surpass 50 percent turnout in McDonald's analysis.

* The three states with the lowest turnout according to McDonald's analysis were Texas (28.3 percent), Tennessee (28.6 percent), and Indiana (28.8 percent).

* Maine (58.5 percent), Wisconsin (56.5 percent), and Colorado (54.5 percent) were the three states with the highest turnout.

* Twelve states increased voter turnout in 2014 compared to the 2010 midterm elections.[42]

Voter turnout rates, 2014

State  | Total votes counted  | % voter eligible population  | Top statewide office up for election  | Size of lead (Raw votes)  | Size of lead (%)
Alabama | 1,191,274 | 33.2 | Governor | 320,319 | 27.2
Alaska | 285,431 | 54.4 | Governor | 4,004 | 1.6
Arizona | 1,537,671 | 34.1 | Governor | 143,951 | 12.5
Arkansas | 852,642 | 40.1 | Governor | 118,664 | 14.0
California | 7,513,972 | 30.8 | Governor | 1,065,748 | 17.8
Colorado | 2,080,071 | 54.5 | Governor | 50,395 | 2.4
Connecticut | 1,096,509 | 42.5 | Governor | 26,603 | 2.5
Delaware | 234,038 | 34.4 | Attorney General | 31,155 | 13.6
District of Columbia | 177,176 | 35.8 | Mayor | 27,934 | 19.0
Florida | 6,026,802 | 43.3 | Governor | 66,127 | 1.1
Georgia | 2,596,947 | 38.5 | Governor | 202,685 | 8.0
Hawaii | 369,554 | 36.5 | Governor | 45,323 | 12.4
Idaho | 445,307 | 39.6 | Governor | 65,852 | 14.9
Illinois | 3,680,417 | 40.9 | Governor | 171,900 | 4.9
Indiana | 1,387,622 | 28.8 | Secretary of State | 234,978 | 17.8
Iowa | 1,142,284 | 50.2 | Governor | 245,548 | 21.8
Kansas | 887,023 | 43.4 | Governor | 33,052 | 3.9
Kentucky | 1,435,868 | 44.0 | U.S. Senate | 222,096 | 15.5
Louisiana | 1,472,039 | 43.8 | U.S. Senate | 16,401 | 1.1
Maine | 616,996 | 58.5 | Governor | 29,820 | 4.9
Maryland | 1,733,177 | 41.5 | Governor | 88,648 | 6.1
Massachusetts | 2,186,789 | 44.6 | Governor | 40,361 | 1.9
Michigan | 3,188,956 | 43.2 | Governor | 129,547 | 4.3
Minnesota | 1,992,613 | 50.5 | Governor | 109,776 | 5.6
Mississippi | 631,858 | 28.9 | U.S. Senate | 141,234 | 33.0
Missouri | 1,426,303 | 31.8 | Auditor | 684,074 | 53.6
Montana | 373,831 | 47.3 | U.S. Senate | 65,262 | 17.9
Nebraska | 552,115 | 41.5 | Governor | 97,678 | 18.7
Nevada | 547,349 | 29.0 | Governor | 255,793 | 46.7
New Hampshire | 495,565 | 48.4 | Governor | 24,924 | 5.2
New Jersey | 1,955,042 | 32.5 | N/A | N/A | N/A
New Mexico | 512,805 | 35.7 | Governor | 73,868 | 14.6
New York | 3,930,310 | 29.0 | Governor | 476,252 | 13.4
North Carolina | 2,939,767 | 41.2 | U.S. Senate | 48,511 | 1.7
North Dakota | 255,128 | 45.0 | U.S. House At-large seat | 42,214 | 17.1
Ohio | 3,149,876 | 36.2 | Governor | 933,235 | 30.9
Oklahoma | 824,831 | 29.8 | Governor | 122,060 | 14.7
Oregon | 1,541,782 | 53.5 | Governor | 59,029 | 4.5
Pennsylvania | 3,495,866 | 36.0 | Governor | 339,261 | 9.8
Rhode Island | 329,212 | 42.2 | Governor | 14,346 | 4.5
South Carolina | 1,261,611 | 35.2 | Governor | 179,089 | 14.6
South Dakota | 282,291 | 44.9 | Governor | 124,865 | 45.1
Tennessee | 1,374,065 | 28.6 | Governor | 642,214 | 47.5
Texas | 4,727,208 | 28.3 | Governor | 957,973 | 20.4
Utah | 577,973 | 30.2 | Attorney General | 173,819 | 35.2
Vermont | 193,087 | 38.8 | Governor | 2,095 | 1.1
Virginia | 2,194,346 | 36.6 | U.S. Senate | 16,727 | 0.8
Washington | 2,123,901 | 43.1 | N/A | N/A | N/A
West Virginia | 451,498 | 31.2 | U.S. Senate | 124,667 | 27.6
Wisconsin | 2,410,314 | 56.5 | Governor | 137,607 | 5.7
Wyoming | 168,390 | 39.3 | Governor | 52,703 | 33.6

Note: Information from the United States Elections Project was last updated on December 16, 2014.

## See also[edit]

Lieutenant Governor | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis

|
|

Lieutenant Governors State Executive Offices State Executive Officials |  2014 • 2015 • 2016 |  Responses to Obergefell v. Hodges State of the state addresses State Executives Compensation

## External links[edit]

| Suggest a link

|

* National Lieutenant Governors Association

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ The office of lieutenant governor in Delaware was vacant. The previous officeholder was Democrat Matthew Penn, who left office on January 6, 2015
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Campbell, J. E. (1987) "The revised theory of surge and decline." American Journal of Political Science, 965-979.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Pew Research Center, “Voter turnout always drops off for midterm elections, but why?” July 24, 2014
4. ↑ TIME, "Voter Turnout in Midterm Elections Hits 72-Year Low," November 10, 2014
5. ↑ The Indy Channel, "Longtime Bayh aide Tom Sugar exploring run for governor," accessed August 28, 2015
6. ↑ IndyStar, "Democrat Tom Sugar will not run for Indiana governor," September 21, 2015
7. ↑ The Indy Star, "State Sen. Karen Tallian drops out of governor’s race," accessed August 28, 2015
8. ↑ The Indy Channel, "ITW: Gregg-Ritz duo sets sights on Gov. Mike Pence," accessed August 28, 2015
9. ↑ The Indy Star, "Bill Oesterle's midlife crusade," accessed August 28, 2015
10. ↑ Indianapolis Business Journal, "Oesterle starts PAC to counter social conservatives," December 7, 2015
11. ↑ This information was provided to Ballotpedia by the Elections Division in the Indiana secretary of state's office.
12. ↑ Auburnpub.com, "Indiana GOP governor candidate picks auditor as running mate," July 29, 2016
13. ↑ Missouri Secretary of State, "Unofficial candidate filing list," accessed April 2, 2016
14. ↑ The Missouri Times, "January 28, 2016
15. ↑ Facebook, "Missouri Lt. Governor Race, elect Mary Bower," accessed August 25, 2015
16. ↑ Bozeman Daily Chronicle, "AG Tim Fox files paperwork for re-election in 2016," accessed August 28, 2015
17. ↑ Holly Jones for Lieutenant Governor, "Campaign Home," accessed August 26, 2015
18. ↑ Ron Newton: Candidate for Lt. Governor, "Ron Newton announces candidacy for lieutenant governor 2016," accessed December 22, 2015
19. ↑ Robert Wilson for Lieutenant Governor, "Campaign Home," accessed August 26, 2015
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Brian Irving, Libertarian Party of North Carolina, "18 Libertarians on November ballot," December 22, 2015
21. ↑ John Hageman, Forum News Service, "Becker, a candidate for North Dakota governor, argues for small role for government," November 14, 2015
22. ↑ Star Tribune, "North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple says he won't seek re-election in 2016, cites family," August 24, 2015
23. ↑ RedState, "North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple’s retirement puts Sen. Heidi Heitkamp in quite the pickle," August 25, 2015
24. ↑ Valley News Live, "North Dakota Lt. Governor Drew Wrigley says he will not run for governor after admitting affair," September 28, 2015
25. ↑ Pat Bradley, WAMC Northeast Public Radio, "Vermont's political campaigns gear up for 2016," December 31, 2015
26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Peter Hirschfeld, Vermont Public Radio, "Garrett Graff registers as candidate, but says still undecided on bid for lt. gov.," December 28, 2015
27. ↑ Riker for Vermont, "Meet Brandon," accessed August 24, 2015
28. ↑ The Columbian, "Moeller running for lieutenant governor," October 19, 2015
29. ↑ The Cascadia Advocate, "Washington’s Democratic Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen files to run for reelection," accessed September 27, 2015
30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Governing, "Lieutenant Governors: On the Rise and Out the Door," March 2016
31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 National Conference of State Legislatures, "In Case of a Tie...," accessed March 20, 2016
32. ↑ Ex-officio: by virtue of office
33. ↑ The Texas Observer, "Who Runs Texas?" July 30, 2010
34. ↑ KUT.org, "Why is the Lieutenant Governor the Most Powerful Office in Texas? And Who Wants That Power?" October 16, 2014
35. ↑ The Michigan Supreme Court decision was overturned in 1978
36. ↑ Leagle, "Advisory opinion on 1978 PA 426," accessed March 21, 2016
37. ↑ Leagle, "State v. Highway Patrol Board (1962), accessed March 20, 2016
38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 Governing, "How Successful Are Lieutenant Governors Seeking the Governorship?" April 12, 2013
39. ↑ United States Elections Project, "2014 November General Election Turnout Rates," November 7, 2014
40. ↑ TIME, "Voter Turnout in Midterm Elections Hits 72-Year Low," November 10, 2014
41. ↑ PBS, "2014 midterm election turnout lowest in 70 years," November 10, 2014
42. ↑ U.S. News & World Report, "Midterm Turnout Down in 2014," November 5, 2014

v • e

2016 state executive official elections

Governor|

Delaware • Indiana • Missouri • Montana • New Hampshire • North Carolina • North Dakota • Oregon • Utah • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia

* * *

Lieutenant Governor|

Delaware • Indiana • Missouri • Montana • North Carolina • North Dakota • Utah • Vermont • Washington

* * *

Secretary of State|

Missouri • Montana • New Mexico • North Carolina • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia

* * *

Attorney General|

Indiana • Missouri • Montana • North Carolina • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Utah • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia

* * *

Down ballot offices|

Treasurer: Missouri • North Carolina • North Dakota • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Utah • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia

* * *

Auditor: Montana • North Carolina • North Dakota • Pennsylvania • Utah • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia

* * *

Superintendent of Schools: Indiana • Montana • North Carolina • North Dakota • Washington

* * *

Insurance Commissioner: Delaware • Montana • North Carolina • North Dakota • Washington

* * *

Natural Resources Commissioner: Washington

* * *

Agriculture Commissioner: North Carolina • West Virginia

* * *

Labor Commissioner: North Carolina

* * *

Public Service Commissioner: Alabama • Arizona • Georgia • Louisiana • Montana • Nebraska • New Mexico • North Dakota • Oklahoma • South Dakota

* * *

Comptroller: Illinois

* * *

Election information|

Ballot access for major and minor party candidates • Filing deadlines and primary dates

State executive offices

Offices

Governor • Lt. Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Treasurer • Auditor • Superintendent of Schools • Insurance Commissioner • Controller • Agriculture Commissioner • Natural Resources Commissioner • Labor Commissioner • Public Service Commissioner

States

Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

Elections

2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010

Features

Chart of state executive officers • Compensation • How gubernatorial vacancies are filled • How vacancies are filled in state executive offices • State executive officials serving in home states • State government trifectas • State of the state addresses • Term limits

Ballotpedia

About

Overview • What people are saying • Support Ballotpedia • Contact • Contribute • Job opportunities

* * *

Executive: Leslie Graves, Founder and CEO • Gwen Beattie, Chief Operating Officer

Communications: Alison Graves, Director of Communications • Carley Allensworth • Abigail Campbell • Sarah Groat • Nathaniel Harwood • Dillon Redmond
External Relations:  Geoff Pallay, Director of External Relations • Ken Carbullido, Vice President of Election Product and Technology Strategy • Ashley Fleming • Thomas Mardik • Hannah Nelson
Operations: Meghann Olshefski, Director of Operations • Amanda Herbert • Mandy Morris • Caroline Presnell • Kelly Rindfleisch
Tech: Matt Latourelle, Director of Technology Operations • Ryan Burch • Kirsten Corrao • Beth Dellea • Travis Eden • Tate Kamish • Margaret Kearney • Eric Lotto • Joseph Sanchez • Mary Susmitha

Contributors: Scott Rasmussen

* * *

Editorial Content

Josh Altic, Director of Content • Daniel Anderson, Associate Director of Elections & Data • Cory Eucalitto, Associate Director of Features • Ryan Byrne, Managing Editor of Ballot Measures • Mandy McConnell, Managing Editor of News • Doug Kronaizl, Managing Editor of Local Expansion • Abbey Smith, Managing Editor of Elections • Janie Valentine, Managing Editor of Law • Joel Williams, Managing Editor of Events • Joseph Greaney, Managing Editor of Policy • Andrew Bahl • Jaclyn Beran • Marielle Bricker • Joseph Brusgard • Emma Burlingame • Kelly Coyle • Jon Dunn • Victoria Edwards • Thomas Ellis • Nicole Fisher • Thomas Grobben • Brianna Hosea • Molly Kehoe • Tyler King • Glorie Martinez • Norm Leahy, Senior Editor • Nathan Maxwell • Brandon McCauley • Andrew McNair • Ellie Mikus • Mackenzie Murphy • Kaley Platek • Samantha Post • Adam Powell • Annelise Reinwald • Spencer Richardson • Victoria Rose • Briana Ryan • Myj Saintyl • Maddy Salucka • Emma Soukup • Alexis Thacker • Mina Vogel • Samuel Wonacott • Trenton Woodcox • Heather Yates

Lieutenant Governors

Current Lieutenant Governors

Alabama • Alaska • American Samoa • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Guam • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Northern Mariana Islands • Ohio • Oklahoma • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • U.S. Virgin Islands • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin

Elections

2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010

Features

States with gubernatorial term limits • Election of lieutenant governors • How gubernatorial vacancies are filled • States with gubernatorial recall provisions • Gubernatorial impeachment procedures • Comparison of lieutenant gubernatorial salaries