List of female lieutenant governors in the United States

Last updated

As of September 8, 2023, there are 22 women currently serving (excluding acting capacity) as lieutenant governors in the United States. Overall, 119 women have served (including acting capacity).

Contents

Women have been elected lieutenant governor from 40 of the 50 states. The states that have the position of lieutenant governor and have not yet elected a woman are Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and West Virginia. The states that do not have the position of lieutenant governor are Arizona, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon and Wyoming. The holders of the first in line to the governorship there, either the secretary of state or senate president, are listed here separately.

14 female lieutenant governors have become governors of their respective states and 6 female secretaries of state have become governors of their respective states.

Nancy E. Dick is the oldest living former female lieutenant governor at the age of 93.

History

The first woman to become lieutenant governor was Matilda Dodge Wilson (R), who was appointed lieutenant governor of Michigan in 1940 by Luren Dickinson.[ citation needed ]

In 1978, Jean King (D) was elected as the first female Asian-American lieutenant governor, when she was elected lieutenant governor of Hawaii.[ citation needed ]

In 2002, Jennette Bradley (R) was elected as the first female African-American lieutenant governor, when she was elected lieutenant governor of Ohio.[ citation needed ]

In 2010, Jennifer Carroll (R) was elected as the first female military veteran lieutenant governor, when she was elected lieutenant governor of Florida.[ citation needed ]

In 2014, Evelyn Sanguinetti (R) was elected as the first female Hispanic or Latino lieutenant governor, when she was elected lieutenant governor of Illinois.[ citation needed ]

Kentucky was the first state to hold a transfer of power from one female lieutenant governor to another, when Martha Layne Collins was elected to succeed Thelma Stovall in 1979.[ citation needed ]

Minnesota has had the most female lieutenant governors or other deputy leaders of any state in the Union, with nine consecutive female lieutenant governors since 1983. However, no female politician has been nominated for governor by any major statewide party in any of Minnesota's gubernatorial elections. [1]

No state ever had both a female governor and permanent female lieutenant governor at the same time until Arkansas and Massachusetts achieved this feat as a result of the 2022 gubernatorial elections. In New York, Andrea Stewart-Cousins became acting Lieutenant Governor on Kathy Hochul's succeeding Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York during his third term on August 24, 2021.

From 1997 to 2009, Arizona had two female governors and two concurrently serving female secretaries of state.[ citation needed ]

To date, in states without a lieutenant governor, no woman has ever changed parties during her term as a secretary of state or a state senate president, or been elected as an independent.[ citation needed ]

List of female lieutenant governors

  Denotes incumbent lieutenant governor
Name
(lifespan)
ImageStatePartyTerm startTerm endLength of
service
Left for
Matilda Dodge Wilson
(1883–1967)
Matildadodge.jpg Flag of Michigan.svg  Michigan Republican January 1, 1940January 1, 19411 year, 0 daysRetired
Consuelo N. Bailey
(1899–1976)
Consuelo N. Bailey.jpg Flag of Vermont.svg  Vermont Republican January 8, 1955January 10, 19572 years, 2 daysRetired
Maude Frazier
(1881–1963)
No image.svg Flag of Nevada (1929-1991).svg  Nevada Democratic July 4, 1962January 1, 1963181 daysRetired
Mary Anne Krupsak
(born 1932)
Marry Anne Krupsack.jpg Flag of New York.svg  New York Democratic January 1, 1975December 31, 19783 years, 364 daysRetired to run for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1978 (Defeated in primary)
Thelma Stovall
(1919–1994)
Stovall-KDLA-1983-Color.jpg Flag of Kentucky.svg  Kentucky Democratic December 9, 1975December 11, 19794 years, 2 daysRetired to run for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1979 (Defeated in primary)
Evelyn Gandy
(1920–2007)
Evelyn Gandy.jpg Flag of Mississippi (1894-1996).png  Mississippi Democratic January 20, 1976January 22, 19804 years, 2 daysRetired to run for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1979 (Defeated in primary)
Jean King
(1925–2013)
Jean King, 1978.jpg Flag of Hawaii.svg  Hawaii Democratic December 2, 1978December 2, 19824 years, 0 daysRetired to run for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1982 (Defeated in primary)
Nancy E. Dick
(born 1930)
No image.svg Flag of Colorado.svg  Colorado Democratic January 10, 1979January 13, 19878 years, 3 daysRetired
Madeleine Kunin
(born 1933)
Madeleine Kunin (D-VT).jpg Flag of Vermont.svg  Vermont Democratic January 10, 1979January 10, 19834 years, 0 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for governor in 1982 (Defeated) [lower-alpha 1]
Nancy Stevenson
(1929–2001)
No image.svg Flag of South Carolina.svg  South Carolina Democratic January 10, 1979January 12, 19834 years, 2 daysRetired
Martha Layne Collins
(born 1936)
Lt. Governor Martha Layne Collins (cropped).jpg Flag of Kentucky.svg  Kentucky Democratic December 11, 1979December 13, 19834 years, 2 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for governor in 1983 (Elected). Governor of Kentucky (1983–1987)
Martha Griffiths
(1912–2003)
Martha Wright Griffiths.jpg Flag of Michigan.svg  Michigan Democratic January 1, 1983January 1, 19918 years, 0 daysRetired [lower-alpha 2]
Marlene Johnson
(born 1946)
Marlene Johnson.jpg Flag of Minnesota.svg  Minnesota Democratic (DFL) January 3, 1983January 7, 19918 years, 4 daysLost reelection
Ruth Meiers
(1925–1987)
No image.svg Flag of North Dakota.svg  North Dakota Democratic–NPL January 1, 1985March 19, 19872 years, 77 daysDied
Harriett Woods
(1927–2007)
Harriett Woods (cropped).jpg Flag of Missouri.svg  Missouri Democratic January 14, 1985January 9, 19893 years, 361 daysRetired
Evelyn Murphy
(born 1940)
Evelyn Murphy (9501950881).jpg Flag of Massachusetts.svg  Massachusetts Democratic January 8, 1987January 3, 19913 years, 360 daysRetired to run for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1990 (Dropped out of primary)
Jo Ann Zimmerman
(1936–2019)
Jo Ann Zimmerman LG.jpg Flag of Iowa.svg  Iowa Democratic January 16, 1987January 18, 19914 years, 2 daysLost reelection
Connie Binsfeld
(1924–2014)
Connie Binsfeld.png Flag of Michigan.svg  Michigan Republican January 1, 1991January 1, 19998 years, 0 daysRetired
Joy Corning
(1932–2017)
Joy Corning.jpeg Flag of Iowa.svg  Iowa Republican January 18, 1991January 15, 19997 years, 362 daysRetired to run for the Republican nomination for governor in 1998 (Dropped out of primary)
Maxine Moul
(born 1947)
No image.svg Flag of Nebraska.svg  Nebraska Democratic January 9, 1991October 5, 19932 years, 269 daysResigned
Joanell Dyrstad
(born 1942)
No image.svg Flag of Minnesota.svg  Minnesota Republican January 7, 1991January 3, 19953 years, 361 daysRetired to run for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 1994 (Defeated in primary)
Sue Wagner
(born 1940)
No image.svg Flag of Nevada.svg  Nevada Republican January 7, 1991January 2, 19953 years, 360 daysRetired
Eunice Groark
(1938–2018)
No image.svg Flag of Connecticut.svg  Connecticut A Connecticut Party January 9, 1991January 4, 19953 years, 360 daysRetired to run as the A Connecticut Party nominee for governor in 1994 (Defeated)
Melinda Schwegmann
(born 1946)
No image.svg Flag of Louisiana (1912-2006).svg  Louisiana Democratic January 13, 1992January 8, 19963 years, 360 daysRetired to run for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1995 (Defeated in primary)
Gaioi Tufele Galeai No image.svg Flag of American Samoa.svg  American Samoa Republican August 1992January 4, 19933–4 monthsRetired
Rosemarie Myrdal
(1929–2023)
No image.svg Flag of North Dakota.svg  North Dakota Republican December 15, 1992December 15, 20008 years, 0 daysRetired
Barbara Snelling
(1928–2015)
No image.svg Flag of Vermont.svg  Vermont Republican January 1, 1993January 1, 19974 years, 0 daysRetired
Olene Walker
(1930–2015)
Olene Walker.JPG Flag of Utah (1913-1922).png  Utah Republican January 4, 1993November 5, 200310 years, 305 daysBecame Governor of Utah (2003–2005)
Ruth Ann Minner
(1935–2021)
Ruth Ann Minner.jpg Flag of Delaware.svg  Delaware Democratic January 19, 1993January 3, 20017 years, 350 daysTerm-limited and ran as the Democratic nominee for governor in 2000 (Elected). Became Governor of Delaware (2001–2009)
Kim M. Robak
(born 1955)
No image.svg Flag of Nebraska.svg  Nebraska Democratic October 5, 1993January 7, 19995 years, 98 daysRetired
Mazie Hirono
(born 1947)
Mazie Hirono, official 110th Congress photo.jpg Flag of Hawaii.svg  Hawaii Democratic December 2, 1994December 2, 20028 years, 0 daysTerm-limited and ran as the Democratic nominee for governor in 2002 (Defeated) [lower-alpha 3]
Fran Ulmer
(born 1947)
Fran Ulmer cropped.jpg Flag of Alaska.svg  Alaska Democratic December 5, 1994December 2, 20027 years, 362 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for governor in 2002 (Defeated)
Carole Hillard
(1936–2007)
No image.svg Flag of South Dakota.svg  South Dakota Republican January 1, 1995January 1, 20038 years, 0 daysRetired
Betsy McCaughey
(born 1948)
Betsy McCaughey.jpg Flag of New York.svg  New York Republican January 1, 1995December 31, 19983 years, 364 daysRetired to run for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1998 (Defeated in primary) [lower-alpha 4]
Democratic
Madeleine Bordallo
(born 1933)
Madeleine Bordallo official portrait.jpg Flag of Guam.svg  Guam Democratic January 2, 1995January 6, 20038 years, 4 daysRetired to run for Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from Guam
(2003–2019).
Joanne Benson
(born 1943)
No image.svg Flag of Minnesota.svg  Minnesota Republican January 3, 1995January 4, 19994 years, 1 dayRetired to run for the Republican nomination for governor in 1998 (Defeated in primary)
Gail Schoettler
(born 1943)
No image.svg Flag of Colorado.svg  Colorado Democratic January 3, 1995January 12, 19994 years, 9 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for governor in 1998 (Defeated)
Jodi Rell
(born 1946)
FEMA - 29383 - Photograph by Debra Young taken on 04-19-2007 in Connecticut.jpg Flag of Connecticut.svg  Connecticut Republican January 4, 1995July 1, 20049 years, 179 daysBecame Governor of Connecticut (2004–2011)
Nancy Hollister
(born 1949)
Nancy Hollister (Ohio governor).jpg Flag of Ohio.svg  Ohio Republican January 9, 1995December 31, 19983 years, 356 daysBecame Governor of Ohio (1998–1999)
Sheila Frahm
(born 1945)
SenatorFrahm(R-KS).jpg Flag of Kansas.svg  Kansas Republican January 9, 1995June 11, 19961 year, 154 daysResigned to become U.S. senator from Kansas (1996)
Mary Fallin
(born 1954)
Mary Fallin official 110th Congress photo.jpg Flag of Oklahoma (1988-2006).svg  Oklahoma Republican January 9, 1995January 2, 200711 years, 358 daysRetired to become the U.S. representative from Oklahoma 5th (2007-2011). [lower-alpha 5]
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
(born 1951)
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.jpg Flag of Maryland.svg  Maryland Democratic January 18, 1995January 15, 20037 years, 362 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for governor in 2002 (Defeated)
Kathleen Blanco
(1942–2019)
KBlancoChalmetteIce.jpg Flag of Louisiana (1912-2006).svg  Louisiana Democratic January 8, 1996January 12, 20048 years, 4 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for governor in 2003 (Elected). Governor of Louisiana (2004–2008)
Judy Martz
(1943–2017)
Judy Martz 2003 (cropped).jpg Flag of Montana.svg  Montana Republican January 6, 1997January 1, 20013 years, 361 daysRetired to run as the Republican nominee for governor in 2000 (Elected). Governor of Montana (2001–2005)
Mary Donohue
(born 1947)
No image.svg Flag of New York.svg  New York Republican January 1, 1999December 31, 20067 years, 364 daysRetired to become a Judge of the New York Court of Claims
Lorraine Hunt
(born 1939)
No image.svg Flag of Nevada.svg  Nevada Republican January 4, 1999January 20, 20078 years, 16 daysRetired to run for the Republican nomination for governor in 2006 (Defeated in primary)
Mae Schunk
(born 1934)
No image.svg Flag of Minnesota.svg  Minnesota Reform January 4, 1999January 6, 20034 years, 2 daysRetired [lower-alpha 6]
Independence
Jane Swift
(born 1965)
Jane Swift 2001.jpeg Flag of Massachusetts.svg  Massachusetts Republican January 7, 1999January 2, 20033 years, 360 daysBecame Acting Governor of Massachusetts (2001–2003)
Corinne Wood
(1954-2021)
No image.svg Flag of Illinois.svg  Illinois Republican January 11, 1999January 13, 20034 years, 2 daysRetired to run for the Republican nomination for governor in 2002 (Defeated in primary)
Maureen O'Connor
(born 1951)
Flag of Ohio.svg  Ohio Republican January 11, 1999December 31, 20023 years, 354 daysRetired to run as the Republican nominee for Associate Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court (Elected)
Sally Pederson
(born 1951)
Sally Pederson.jpg Flag of Iowa.svg  Iowa Democratic January 15, 1999January 12, 20077 years, 362 daysRetired
Amy Tuck
(born 1963)
AmyTuck.jpg Flag of Mississippi (1996-2001).png  Mississippi Democratic January 11, 2000January 10, 20087 years, 364 daysRetired [lower-alpha 7]
Republican
Bev Perdue
(born 1947)
Beverly Perdue official photo.jpg Flag of North Carolina.svg  North Carolina Democratic January 6, 2001January 10, 20098 years, 4 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for governor in 2008 (Elected). Governor of North Carolina (2009–2013)
Margaret Farrow
(1934-2022)
No image.svg Flag of Wisconsin.svg  Wisconsin Republican May 9, 2001January 6, 20031 year, 242 daysLost reelection
Diane Denish
(born 1949)
Diane Denish.jpg Flag of New Mexico.svg  New Mexico Democratic January 1, 2003January 1, 20118 years, 0 daysRetired to run as the Democrat nominee for governor in 2010 (Defeated)
Kerry Healey
(born 1960)
Kerry Healey, Mass GOP Chair.jpg Flag of Massachusetts.svg  Massachusetts Republican January 2, 2003January 4, 20074 years, 2 daysRetired to run as the Republican nominee for governor in 2006 (Defeated)
Carol Molnau
(born 1949)
Carol Molnau.jpg Flag of Minnesota.svg  Minnesota Republican January 6, 2003January 3, 20117 years, 362 daysRetired
Barbara Lawton
(born 1951)
Lawton barbara official.jpg Flag of Wisconsin.svg  Wisconsin Democratic January 6, 2003January 3, 20117 years, 362 daysRetired to run for the Democrat nomination for governor in 2010 (Dropped out of primary)
Jennette Bradley
(born 1952)
Jennette Bradley 2009.jpg Flag of Ohio.svg  Ohio Republican January 13, 2003January 5, 20051 year, 358 daysResigned to become Ohio State Treasurer
Jane E. Norton
(born 1954)
Jane E. Norton.jpg Flag of Colorado.svg  Colorado Republican January 13, 2003January 9, 20073 years, 361 daysRetired
Lucy Baxley
(1937–2016)
Lucy Baxley.jpg Flag of Alabama.svg  Alabama Democratic January 20, 2003January 15, 20073 years, 360 daysRetired to run as the Democrat nominee for governor in 2006 (Defeated)
Catherine Baker Knoll
(1930–2008)
Catherine Baker Knoll (2006).jpg Flag of Pennsylvania.svg  Pennsylvania Democratic January 21, 2003November 12, 20085 years, 296 daysDied
Toni Jennings
(born 1949)
Toni Jennings.jpg Flag of Florida.svg  Florida Republican March 3, 2003January 2, 20073 years, 305 daysRetired
Kathy Davis
(born 1956)
Kathy Davis Lt Governor (a).png Flag of Indiana.svg  Indiana Democratic October 20, 2003January 10, 20051 year, 82 daysLost reelection
Becky Skillman
(born 1950)
Becky Skillman speaking, May 12, 2007.JPEG Flag of Indiana.svg  Indiana Republican January 10, 2005January 14, 20138 years, 4 daysRetired
Elizabeth H. Roberts
(born 1957)
Elizabeth Roberts 2009.jpg Flag of Rhode Island.svg  Rhode Island Democratic January 2, 2007January 6, 20158 years, 4 daysRetired
Jari Askins
(born 1953)
Jari Askins cropped.jpg Flag of Oklahoma.svg  Oklahoma Democratic January 2, 2007January 10, 20114 years, 8 daysRetired to run as the Democrat nominee for governor in 2010 (Defeated)
Barbara O'Brien
(born 1950)
Barbaraobrien.jpg Flag of Colorado.svg  Colorado Democratic January 9, 2007January 11, 20114 years, 2 daysRetired
Patty Judge
(born 1943)
Patty Judge.jpg Flag of Iowa.svg  Iowa Democratic January 12, 2007January 14, 20114 years, 2 daysLost reelection
Mona Pasquil
(born 1962)
Mona pasquil.jpg Flag of California.svg  California Democratic November 4, 2009April 27, 2010174 daysRetired
Kim Guadagno
(born 1959)
Kim Guadagno 2011 (cropped).jpg Flag of New Jersey.svg  New Jersey Republican January 19, 2010January 16, 20187 years, 362 daysTerm-limited and ran as the Republican nominee for governor in 2017 (Defeated)
Rebecca Kleefisch
(born 1975)
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch (cropped).jpg Flag of Wisconsin.svg  Wisconsin Republican January 3, 2011January 7, 20198 years, 4 daysLost reelection
Yvonne Prettner Solon
(born 1946)
Yvonne Prettner Solon.jpg Flag of Minnesota.svg  Minnesota Democratic (DFL) January 3, 2011January 5, 20154 years, 2 daysRetired
Jennifer Carroll
(born 1959)
Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll (cropped).jpg Flag of Florida.svg  Florida Republican January 4, 2011March 12, 20132 years, 67 daysResigned
Nancy Wyman
(born 1946)
Gov. Malloy Signs Legislation Permitting Access to Financial Aid for Connecticut Dreamers (41702817862) (cropped).jpg Flag of Connecticut.svg  Connecticut Democratic January 5, 2011January 9, 20198 years, 4 daysRetired
Mary Taylor
(born 1966)
Mary Taylor by Gage Skidmore.jpg Flag of Ohio.svg  Ohio Republican January 10, 2011January 14, 20198 years, 4 daysRetired to run for Republican nomination for 2018 Ohio gubernatorial election (Defeated in primary)
Sheila Simon
(born 1961)
Sheila Simon (1).jpg Flag of Illinois.svg  Illinois Democratic January 10, 2011January 12, 20154 years, 2 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for Illinois Comptroller in 2014. (Defeated)
Kim Reynolds
(born 1959)
Kim Reynolds by Gage Skidmore (cropped).jpg Flag of Iowa.svg  Iowa Republican January 14, 2011May 24, 20176 years, 130 daysBecame Governor of Iowa (2017–present)
Kay Ivey
(born 1944)
Portrait-Governor-Kay-Ivey.jpg Flag of Alabama.svg  Alabama Republican January 17, 2011April 10, 20176 years, 83 daysBecame Governor of Alabama (2017–present)
Sue Ellspermann
(born 1960)
Lt Gov Sue Ellspermann.jpg Flag of Indiana.svg  Indiana Republican January 14, 2013March 2, 20163 years, 48 daysResigned
Angela McLean
(born 1970)
Angela McLean.jpg Flag of Montana.svg  Montana Democratic February 17, 2014January 3, 20161 year, 320 daysResigned
Crit Luallen
(born 1952)
Crit Luallen.jpg Flag of Kentucky.svg  Kentucky Democratic November 13, 2014December 8, 20151 year, 25 daysRetired
Kathy Hochul
(born 1958)
Kathy Hochul, November 2017.jpeg Flag of New York.svg  New York Democratic January 1, 2015August 23, 20216 years, 234 daysBecame Governor of New York (2021–present) [lower-alpha 8]
Tina Smith
(born 1958)
Tina Smith 2015.jpg Flag of Minnesota.svg  Minnesota Democratic (DFL) January 5, 2015January 2, 20182 years, 362 daysResigned to become U.S. senator from Minnesota (2018–present)
Karyn Polito
(born 1966)
Karyn Polito official photo (cropped).jpg Flag of Massachusetts.svg  Massachusetts Republican January 8, 2015January 5, 20237 years, 362 daysRetired
Evelyn Sanguinetti
(born 1970)
Evelyn Sanguinetti 2015.jpg Flag of Illinois.svg  Illinois Republican January 12, 2015January 14, 20194 years, 2 daysLost reelection
Jenean Hampton
(born 1958)
Women for Lt. Governor Jenean Hampton.jpg Flag of Kentucky.svg  Kentucky Republican December 8, 2015December 10, 20194 years, 2 daysRetired
Donna Lynne
(born 1953)
Donna Lynne Ted Eytan.jpg Flag of Colorado.svg  Colorado Democratic May 12, 2016January 8, 20192 years, 241 daysRetired to run for Democratic nomination for 2018 Colorado gubernatorial election (Defeated in primary)
Suzanne Crouch
(born 1952)
170905-Z-PM441-6534 (cropped 2).jpg Flag of Indiana.svg  Indiana Republican January 9, 2017Incumbent7 years, 68 daysServing
Bethany Hall-Long
(born 1963)
Bethany Hall-Long.jpg Flag of Delaware.svg  Delaware Democratic January 17, 2017Incumbent7 years, 60 daysServing
Michelle Fischbach
(born 1965)
Lieutenant Governor Michelle Fischbach.jpg Flag of Minnesota.svg  Minnesota Republican January 3, 2018January 7, 20191 year, 4 daysRetired [lower-alpha 9]
Sheila Oliver
(1952–2023)
Lt Gov Sheila Oliver.jpeg Flag of New Jersey.svg  New Jersey Democratic January 16, 2018August 1, 20235 years, 197 daysDied
Valerie Davidson
(born 1967)
No image.svg Flag of Alaska.svg  Alaska Independent October 16, 2018December 3, 201848 daysRetired
Janice McGeachin
(born 1963)
Janice McGeachin by Gage Skidmore.jpg Flag of Idaho.svg  Idaho Republican January 7, 2019January 2, 20233 years, 361 daysRetired
Peggy Flanagan
(born 1979)
PFlanagan close up.jpg Flag of Minnesota.svg  Minnesota Democratic (DFL) January 7, 2019Incumbent5 years, 70 daysServing
Eleni Kounalakis
(born 1966)
Eleni Kounalakis in 2021.jpg Flag of California.svg  California Democratic January 7, 2019Incumbent5 years, 70 daysServing
Kate Marshall
(born 1959)
Kate Marshall White House Headshot 2021 (cropped).png Flag of Nevada.svg  Nevada Democratic January 7, 2019September 17, 20212 years, 253 daysResigned to serve as Senior Advisor to Governors in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Jeanette Núñez
(born 1972)
Jeanette Nunez official photo (cropped).jpg Flag of Florida.svg  Florida Republican January 8, 2019Incumbent5 years, 69 daysServing
Dianne Primavera
(born 1950)
2010 Official Picture of Representative Dianne Primavera (cropped).jpg Flag of Colorado.svg  Colorado Democratic January 8, 2019Incumbent5 years, 69 daysServing
Susan Bysiewicz
(born 1961)
Bysiewicz Sworn In (cropped).jpg Flag of Connecticut.svg  Connecticut Democratic January 9, 2019Incumbent5 years, 68 daysServing
Pamela Evette
(born 1967)
Pamela Evette 2019.jpg Flag of South Carolina.svg  South Carolina Republican January 9, 2019Incumbent5 years, 68 daysServing
Juliana Stratton
(born 1965)
Juliana Stratton 2023 (cropped).jpg Flag of Illinois.svg  Illinois Democratic January 14, 2019Incumbent5 years, 63 daysServing
Jacqueline Coleman
(born 1982)
Jacqueline Coleman.png Flag of Kentucky.svg  Kentucky Democratic December 10, 2019Incumbent4 years, 98 daysServing
Deidre Henderson
(born 1974)
Official portrait of Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson.png Flag of Utah.svg  Utah Republican January 4, 2021Incumbent3 years, 73 daysServing
Kristen Juras
(born 1955)
Flag of Montana.svg  Montana Republican January 4, 2021Incumbent3 years, 73 daysServing
Molly Gray
(born 1984)
MollyGrayCrop.jpg Flag of Vermont.svg  Vermont Democratic January 7, 2021January 5, 20231 year, 363 daysRetired to run for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives (Defeated in primary)
Sabina Matos
(born 1974)
Sabina Matos 11.21.jpg Flag of Rhode Island.svg  Rhode Island Democratic April 14, 2021Incumbent2 years, 338 daysServing
Andrea Stewart-Cousins
(born 1950)
(03-16-21) NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (cropped).jpg Flag of New York.svg  New York Democratic August 24, 2021September 9, 202116 daysNew Lieutenant Governor appointed
April 12, 2022May 25, 202243 days
Lisa Cano Burkhead
(born 1971)
Flag of Nevada.svg  Nevada Democratic December 16, 2021January 2, 20231 year, 17 daysLost reelection
Winsome Sears
(born 1964)
Winsome Sears in November 2021.jpg Flag of Virginia.svg  Virginia Republican January 15, 2022Incumbent2 years, 62 daysServing
Nancy Dahlstrom
(born 1957)
Flag of Alaska.svg  Alaska Republican December 5, 2022Incumbent1 year, 103 daysServing
Sylvia Luke
(born 1967)
Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke Portrait 2023 (cropped).png Flag of Hawaii.svg  Hawaii Democratic December 5, 2022Incumbent1 year, 103 daysServing
Tammy Miller Lt. Gov. of North Dakota visits Grand Forks AFB (cropped).jpg Flag of North Dakota.svg  North Dakota Republican January 3, 2023Incumbent1 year, 74 daysServing
Sara Rodriguez
(born 1975)
Sara Rodriguez 2023 (cropped).png Flag of Wisconsin.svg  Wisconsin Democratic January 3, 2023Incumbent1 year, 74 daysServing
Kim Ward Kim Ward.jpg Flag of Pennsylvania.svg  Pennsylvania Republican January 3, 2023January 17, 202314 daysNew Lieutenant Governor sworn in
Kim Driscoll
(born 1966)
Kim Driscoll, official portrait, lieutenant governor.jpg Flag of Massachusetts.svg  Massachusetts Democratic January 5, 2023Incumbent1 year, 72 daysServing
Leslie Rutledge
(born 1976)
Leslie Rutledge (25475720912) (1).jpg Flag of Arkansas.svg  Arkansas Republican January 10, 2023Incumbent1 year, 67 daysServing
Aruna Miller
(born 1964)
Aruna Miller Official Portrait.jpg Flag of Maryland.svg  Maryland Democratic January 18, 2023Incumbent1 year, 59 daysServing
Tahesha Way
(born 1971/1972
Tahesha Way.jpg Flag of New Jersey.svg  New Jersey Democratic September 8, 2023Incumbent191 daysServing

List of female secretaries of state

Certain states do not have a lieutenant governor; instead they have a Secretary of State next in line for succession of governor.

  Denotes incumbent Secretary of State
NameImageStatePartyMandate startMandate endTerm lengthNotes
Thyra Thomson
(1916–2013)
No image.svg Flag of Wyoming.svg  Wyoming Republican January 7, 1963January 5, 198723 years, 363 daysRetired
Norma Paulus
(1933–2019)
Norma Paulus-1976.jpg Flag of Oregon.svg  Oregon Republican January 3, 1977January 7, 19858 years, 4 daysRetired to run as the Republican nominee for governor in 1986 (Defeated)
Rose Mofford
(1922–2016)
Rose Mofford 2012.jpg Flag of Arizona.svg  Arizona Democratic October 20, 1977April 4, 198810 years, 167 daysSucceeded as governor upon impeachment and conviction of Governor Evan Mecham
Barbara Roberts
(born 1936)
Barbara Roberts 1984 (cropped).jpg Flag of Oregon.svg  Oregon Democratic January 7, 1985January 14, 19916 years, 7 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for governor in 1990 (Elected)
Kathy Karpan
(born 1942)
Kathy Karpan OSMRE.jpg Flag of Wyoming.svg  Wyoming Democratic January 5, 1987January 3, 19957 years, 363 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for governor in 1994 (Defeated)
Sila María Calderón
(born 1942)
Puerto Rican Governor Sila Calderon at the Pentagon, Feb 27, 2001 (1).jpg Flag of Puerto Rico.svg  Puerto Rico Democratic 198819891 yearRetired
Diana J. Ohman
(born 1950)
No image.svg Flag of Wyoming.svg  Wyoming Republican January 3, 1995January 3, 19994 years, 0 daysRetired
Jane Dee Hull
(1935–2020)
Jane Dee Hull 2001 cropped.jpg Flag of Arizona.svg  Arizona Republican January 2, 1995September 5, 19972 years, 246 daysSucceeded as governor upon resignation of Governor Fife Symington
Norma Burgos
(born 1954)
Flag of Puerto Rico.svg  Puerto Rico Democratic 199519994 yearsRetired to become member of the Puerto Rico Senate
Betsey Bayless
(born 1944)
No image.svg Flag of Arizona.svg  Arizona Republican September 5, 1997January 6, 20035 years, 123 daysRetired to run for governor in 2002 (Defeated in primary)
Jan Brewer
(born 1944)
Jan Brewer by Gage Skidmore 3.jpg Flag of Arizona.svg  Arizona Republican January 6, 2003January 21, 20096 years, 15 daysSucceeded as governor upon resignation of Governor Janet Napolitano
Marisara Pont Marchese
(born 1941)
Flag of Puerto Rico.svg  Puerto Rico Democratic 200520055 monthsRetired
Kate Brown
(born 1960)
Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown, cropped (cropped).jpg Flag of Oregon.svg  Oregon Democratic January 5, 2009February 18, 20156 years, 44 daysSucceeded as governor upon resignation of Governor John Kitzhaber
Michele Reagan
(born 1969)
Michele Reagan by Gage Skidmore.jpg Flag of Arizona.svg  Arizona Republican January 5, 2015January 7, 20194 years, 2 daysLost renomination
Jeanne Atkins
(born 1949/1950)
Jeanne Atkins cropped 2.jpg Flag of Oregon.svg  Oregon Democratic March 11, 2015January 2, 20171 year, 297 daysRetired
Karen Wheeler
(born 19??)
No image.svg Flag of Wyoming.svg  Wyoming Republican February 9, 2018March 1, 201820 daysActing spell ended
Jocelyn BensonMichiganDemocraticJanuary 1 2019IncumbentServing
Katie Hobbs
(born 1969)
Katie Hobbs by Gage Skidmore 3.jpg Flag of Arizona.svg  Arizona Democratic January 7, 2019January 2, 20233 years, 360 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for governor in 2022 (Elected)
Leslie Cummings Leslie Cummings.jpg Flag of Oregon.svg  Oregon Republican February 26, 2019March 31, 201933 daysActing spell ended
Beverly Clarno
(born 1936)
No image.svg Flag of Oregon.svg  Oregon Republican March 31, 2019January 4, 20211 year, 279 daysRetired
María Marcano de León Flag of Puerto Rico.svg  Puerto Rico August 4, 2019December 19, 2019137 daysInterim spell ended
Shemia Fagan
(born 1981)
Rep. Shemia Fagan (9515724183) (cropped).jpg Flag of Oregon.svg  Oregon Democratic January 4, 2021May 8, 20232 years, 124 daysResigned
Cheryl Myers Flag of Oregon.svg  Oregon Democratic May 8, 2023June 30, 202353 daysActing spell ended
LaVonne Griffin-Valade
(born 1952/1953)
Flag of Oregon.svg  Oregon Democratic June 30, 2023incumbentServing

List of female Senate presidents

Two states – Maine and New Hampshire – do not have a lieutenant governor, and do not have the secretary of state as first in the line of succession to the governor. In these two states, the President of the State Senate is first in line to succeed the governor.

  Denotes incumbent Senate President
NameImageStatePartyMandate startMandate endTerm lengthNotes
Vesta M. Roy
(1925–2002)
Vesta Roy Portrait NH Statehouse 02.jpg Flag of New Hampshire.svg  New Hampshire Republican December 1, 1982December 3, 19864 years, 2 daysServed as Acting Governor of New Hampshire from December 29, 1982, to January 6, 1983. Retired.
Beverly Hollingworth
(born 1935)
No image.svg Flag of New Hampshire.svg  New Hampshire Democratic August 26, 1999December 6, 20001 year, 102 daysParty lost Senate majority
Beverly Daggett
(1945–2015)
No image.svg Flag of Maine.svg  Maine Democratic December 4, 2002December 1, 20041 year, 363 daysTerm-limited from the Senate
Beth Edmonds
(born 1950)
Sen President Beth Edmonds Dec 2006.JPG Flag of Maine.svg  Maine Democratic December 1, 2004December 3, 20084 years, 2 daysTerm-limited from the Senate
Sylvia Larsen
(born 1949)
Senator Sylvia B. Larsen.jpg Flag of New Hampshire.svg  New Hampshire Democratic December 5, 2006December 1, 20103 years, 361 daysParty lost Senate majority
Libby Mitchell
(born 1940)
LibbyMitchell (cropped).jpg Flag of Maine.svg  Maine Democratic December 3, 2008December 1, 20101 year, 363 daysRetired to run as the Democratic nominee for governor in 2010 (Defeated)
Donna Soucy
(born 1967)
Donna Soucy SNHU 2016 closeup.jpg Flag of New Hampshire.svg  New Hampshire Democratic December 5, 2018December 2, 20201 year, 363 daysParty lost Senate majority

List of female federal district council chairs

In the District of Columbia, the chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia is first in line of succession in the event of a vacancy in the office of mayor of the District of Columbia.

NameImageStatePartyMandate startMandate endTerm lengthNotes
Linda W. Cropp
(born 1947)
Linda Cropp (cropped).jpg Flag of the District of Columbia.svg  District of Columbia Democratic 1997200710 yearsNamed acting Chair of D.C. Council, following the death of David A. Clarke in 1997. Elected D.C. Council Chair in the 1997 special election. Retired to run as the Democratic nominee for Mayor in 2006 (Defeated)

See also

Notes

  1. Later served as the Governor of Vermont (1985–1991)
  2. Previously served as the U.S. representative from Michigan 17th (1955–1974)
  3. Later served as U.S. Representative from Hawaii 2nd (2007-2013) & U.S. senator from Hawaii (2013–present)
  4. Elected as a Republican in 1994, but switched to Democratic in 1997
  5. Later became Governor of Oklahoma (2011–2019)
  6. Elected as a Reformer, but Minnesota party split from Reform in 2000 and changed name to the Independence Party
  7. Elected as a Democrat in 1999, but switched to Republican in 2002
  8. Previously served as the U.S. representative from New York 26th (20112013)
  9. Later served as the U.S. representative from Minnesota 7th (2021–present)

Related Research Articles

President of the Senate is a title often given to the presiding officer of a senate. It corresponds to the speaker in some other assemblies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota</span> Elected political office in Minnesota, United States

The lieutenant governor of Minnesota is a constitutional officer in the executive branch of the U.S. state of Minnesota. Fifty individuals have held the office of lieutenant governor since statehood. The incumbent is Peggy Flanagan, a DFLer and the first Native American elected to a statewide executive office in Minnesota's history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee</span> Government official in Tennessee, United States

The Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Senate of Tennessee is the presiding officer of the Tennessee Senate and first in line in the succession to the office of governor of Tennessee in the event of the death, resignation, or removal from office through impeachment and conviction of the governor of Tennessee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ohio Republican Party</span> Ohio affiliate of the Republican Party

The Ohio Republican Party is the Ohio affiliate of the Republican Party. It was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1854.

This article covers the history of women in the United States Senate and various milestones achieved by female senators. It includes a list of all women who have served in the Senate, a list of current female senators, and a list of states represented by women in the Senate. The first female U.S. senator, Rebecca Latimer Felton, represented Georgia for a single day in 1922, and the first woman elected to the Senate, Hattie Caraway, was elected from Arkansas in 1932. Sixty women have served in the upper house of the United States Congress since its establishment in 1789. As of October 3, 2023, there are 25 women serving as U.S. senators. Additionally, Kamala Harris as vice president serves as President of the Senate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey</span> Elected official in the U.S. state of New Jersey

The lieutenant governor of New Jersey is an elected constitutional officer in the executive branch of the state government of New Jersey in the United States. The lieutenant governor is the second highest-ranking official in the state government and is elected concurrently on a ticket with the governor for a four-year term. The position itself does not carry any powers or duties other than to be next in the order of succession, but the state constitution requires that the lieutenant governor also be appointed to serve as the head of a cabinet-level department or administrative agency within the governor's administration, other than the position of Attorney General.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma</span> Second-highest executive official of the state government of Oklahoma

The lieutenant governor of Oklahoma is the second-highest executive official of the state government of Oklahoma. As first in the gubernatorial line of succession, the lieutenant governor becomes the new governor of Oklahoma upon the death, resignation, or removal of the governor. The lieutenant governor also serves as the president of the Oklahoma Senate, and may cast a vote to break ties in that chamber.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vermont Senate</span> Upper house of the Vermont General Assembly

The Vermont Senate is the upper house of the Vermont General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Vermont. The senate consists of 30 members elected from multi-member districts. Each senator represents at least 20,300 citizens. Senators are elected to two-year terms and there is no limit to the number of terms that a senator may serve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2002 United States gubernatorial elections</span>

United States gubernatorial elections were held on November 5, 2002, in 36 states and two territories. The Republicans won eight seats previously held by the Democrats, as well as the seat previously held by Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura, who was elected on the Reform Party ticket but had since renounced his party affiliation. The Democrats won 10 seats previously held by the Republicans, as well as the seat previously held by Maine governor Angus King, an independent. The elections were held concurrently with the other United States elections of 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Louisiana State Senate</span> Upper house of the state legislature of Louisiana

The Louisiana State Senate is the upper house of the state legislature of Louisiana. All senators serve four-year terms and are assigned to multiple committees.

In the United States, a governor serves as the chief executive and commander-in-chief in each of the fifty states and in the five permanently inhabited territories, functioning as head of state and head of government therein. As such, governors are responsible for implementing state laws and overseeing the operation of the state executive branch. As state leaders, governors advance and pursue new and revised policies and programs using a variety of tools, among them executive orders, executive budgets, and legislative proposals and vetoes. Governors carry out their management and leadership responsibilities and objectives with the support and assistance of department and agency heads, many of whom they are empowered to appoint. A majority of governors have the authority to appoint state court judges as well, in most cases from a list of names submitted by a nominations committee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 United States Senate election in Georgia</span>

The 2008 United States Senate election in Georgia took place on November 4, 2008. The run off election took place on December 2, 2008. Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss, first elected in 2002, sought re-election to his position as a United States Senator from Georgia. He was challenged by Democratic nominee Jim Martin and Libertarian nominee Allen Buckley. After a runoff election on December 2, Chambliss was elected.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lieutenant Governor of Washington</span> Elected office in the U.S. state of Washington

The lieutenant governor of Washington is an elected office in the U.S. state of Washington. The incumbent is Denny Heck, a Democrat who began his term in January 2021. The lieutenant governor serves as president of the Washington State Senate, fills in as acting governor whenever the governor leaves the state or is unable to serve, and assumes the duties of governor in case of a vacancy.

The following table indicates the party of elected officials in the U.S. state of Minnesota:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lieutenant governor (United States)</span> State government official, typically second highest officer after the governor

A lieutenant governor is an official in state governments of 45 out of 50 of the United States. In most cases, the lieutenant governor is the highest officer of state after the governor, standing in for that officer when they are absent from the state or temporarily incapacitated. In the event a governor dies, resigns or is removed from office, the lieutenant governor typically becomes governor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michelle Fischbach</span> American politician (born 1965)

Michelle Louise Helene Fischbach is an American attorney and politician who is the U.S. representative from Minnesota's 7th congressional district. The district, which is very rural, is Minnesota's largest congressional district and includes most of the western area of the state. A Republican, Fischbach served as the 49th lieutenant governor of Minnesota from 2018 until 2019. As of 2024, she is the most recent Republican to have held statewide office in Minnesota.

The following is the planned order of succession for the governorships of the 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and the five organized territories of the United States, according to the constitutions of each. Some states make a distinction whether the succeeding individual is acting as governor or becomes governor.

References

  1. "Minnesota: Where Female Lieutenant Governors Reign". Smart Politics. January 17, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2015.