History of the Office of Lieutenant Governor
The Office of Lieutenant Governor was created by Article 6, Sec. 1 of the Oklahoma Constitution. This section created the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor and Inspector, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Secretary of Labor, and Secretary of Insurance.
While the Office of Lieutenant Governor is similar in function to that of the Vice President of the United States, Oklahoma voters cast a separate ballot for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates run as a single "ticket." Candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor in Oklahoma must conduct individual campaigns.
In Oklahoma and about half of the 50 states, the Lieutenant Governor serves in place of the Governor when the chief executive officer leaves the state, becomes incapacitated or resigns. Oklahoma's Lieutenant Governor also serves as the President of the Oklahoma State Senate, casting a vote in the event of a tie and presiding over joint sessions of the State Legislature.
Constitutionally, or by state law, Lieutenant Governor Askins presides over, appoints a designee or is a member of 10 state boards and commissions.
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For a complete and detailed list, visit our Boards and Commissions page.
Jari Askins is Oklahoma's 15th Lieutenant Governor. She was elected in November, 2006 and was sworn into office on January 2, 2007 to fill the unexpired term of Mary Fallin, who resigned to become a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Lieutenant Governor Askins received the oath of office for a full four-year term on January 8, 2007. Askins is the first Democratic woman to serve as Oklahoma's Lieutenant Governor. Following is the complete list of Oklahoma Lieutenant Governors.
|
| Lieutenant Governor |
Party |
Term |
| Jari Askins |
Democrat |
2007 - Present |
| Mary Fallin |
Republican |
1995 - 2007 |
| Jack Mildren |
Democrat |
1991 - 1995 |
| Robert S. Kerr III |
Democrat |
1987 - 1991 |
| Spencer Bernard |
Democrat |
1979 - 1987 |
| George Nigh |
Democrat |
1967 - 1979 |
| Leo Winters |
Democrat |
1963 - 1967 |
| George Nigh |
Democrat |
1959 - 1963 |
| Cowboy Pink Williams |
Democrat |
1955 - 1959 |
| James E. Berry |
Democrat |
1935 - 1955 |
| Robert Burns |
Democrat |
1931 - 1935 |
| W.J. Holloway |
Democrat |
1927 - 1931 |
| M.E. Trapp |
Democrat |
1915 - 1927 |
| J.J. McAlester |
Democrat |
1911 - 1915 |
| George W. Bellamy |
Democrat |
1907 - 1911 |
Facts About the Office of the Lieutenant Governor
- Qualification for Office: The individual must be a citizen of the United States, at least thirty-one years of age and a qualified elector of the state for ten years prior to election to office. State Constitution Article 6, Section 3.
- Term: The Lieutenant Governor serves a four-year term of office. The Lieutenant Governor can serve consecutive terms. There is no limitation on the number of terms the Lieutenant Governor can serve.
- Salary: $109,250 annually
- Personnel: 8 non-merit, unclassified; 1 temporary
- Office: State Capitol
2300 North Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 211
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
- Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday)
- Telephone: 405-521-2161
Fax: 405-525-2702
Website: www.ltgov.ok.gov
