Wisconsin Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton, Official Website: About the Office

History

Delegates to Wisconsin's 1848 Constitutional Convention engaged in hot debate over whether or not the office of lieutenant governor was essential; they ultimately decided that the person first in line to succeed the governor should be elected statewide. The lieutenant governor's role originally included serving the important role of succession and presiding over the state senate, empowered to cast a deciding vote in case of a tie.

In 1979, voters ratified a constitutional amendment enabling the Senate to choose its own presiding officer from among its members, beginning in 1981. That same amendment clearly defined the lieutenant governor's succession role, stating that the lieutenant governor serves as "acting governor" when the governor is temporarily unable to perform the duties of the office due to impeachment, incapacitation, or absence from the state. If the incumbent governor dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the lieutenant governor becomes governor for the balance of the unexpired term. If the lieutenant governor becomes governor, he or she must nominate a new lieutenant governor and the successor must be confirmed by the Senate and the Assembly.

When the governor designates the lieutenant governor to represent the governor’s office on any statutory board, commission, or committee on which the governor is entitled to membership, the lieutenant governor has all the authority and responsibility granted by law to the governor.

Wisconsin's lieutenant governor is elected independently on a party's September primary ballot, and runs with the party’s gubernatorial nominee as a ticket on the November ballot every four years.

Today

Click here to learn more about the role of the lieutenant governor in Wisconsin today.

History Delegates to Wisconsin's 1848 Constitutional Convention engaged in hot debate over whether or not the office of lieutenant governor was essential; they ultimately decided that the person first in line to succeed the governor should be elected statewide. The lieutenant governor's role originally included serving the important role of succession and presiding over the state senate, empowered to cast a deciding vote in case of a tie. In 1979, voters ratified a constitutional amendment enabling the Senate to choose its own presiding officer from among its members, beginning in 1981. That same amendment clearly defined the lieutenant governor's succession role, stating that the lieutenant governor serves as "acting governor" when the governor is temporarily unable to perform the duties of the office due to impeachment, incapacitation, or absence from the state. If the incumbent governor dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the lieutenant governor becomes governor for the balance of the unexpired term. If the lieutenant governor becomes governor, he or she must nominate a new lieutenant governor and the successor must be confirmed by the Senate and the Assembly. When the governor designates the lieutenant governor to represent the governor’s office on any statutory board, commission, or committee on which the governor is entitled to membership, the lieutenant governor has all the authority and responsibility granted by law to the governor. Wisconsin's lieutenant governor is elected independently on a party's September primary ballot, and runs with the party’s gubernatorial nominee as a ticket on the November ballot every four years. Today Click here to learn more about the role of the lieutenant governor in Wisconsin today. History Get to Know Your Lieutenant Governor Previous Lieutenant Governors Today in Wisconsin History About Wisconsin's Capitol Internship Opportunities
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