Legal Definitions - lieutenant governor

A lieutenant governor is a deputy or subordinate governor who is responsible for various duties such as presiding over the state legislature. However, their most important role is to serve as the governor's successor if the governor dies, resigns, or becomes disabled.

For example, in the state of California, the lieutenant governor is responsible for serving as the president of the state Senate and is next in line to become governor if the current governor is unable to fulfill their duties.

In Texas, the lieutenant governor is responsible for presiding over the state Senate and is next in line to become governor if the current governor is unable to fulfill their duties.

These examples illustrate how the lieutenant governor serves as a backup to the governor and is responsible for important duties in the state government.