Lieutenant Governor | |
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![]() Georgia state seal | |
since January 9, 2023 | |
Government of Georgia | |
Appointer | Elected by popular vote |
Term length | 4-years, no term limit |
Inaugural holder | Melvin E. Thompson |
Formation | 1945 |
Website | Government website |
The lieutenant governor of Georgia is a constitutional officer of the State of Georgia, elected to a four-year term by popular vote. Unlike in some other U.S. states, the lieutenant governor is elected on a separate ticket from the governor of Georgia.
Constitutionally, the lieutenant governor's primary job is to serve as president of Georgia's Senate. In the case of incapacity of the governor, the lieutenant governor assumes their duties and power (but not the title). Should the governor die or otherwise leave office, the lieutenant governor assumes the office for the remainder of the term.
The office of Lieutenant Governor was created by a state constitutional revision in 1945. Prior to that time, Georgia did not have such an office. Elected in 1946 (for a term to begin in 1947) Georgia's first lieutenant governor, Melvin E. Thompson became involved in the three governors controversy.
The current lieutenant governor of Georgia is Republican Burt Jones.