What the Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Does
The lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania serves as the president of the state Senate, casts tie-breaking votes, and chairs key boards such as the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The role is nonpartisan in function within the Senate but becomes partisan during elections. Incumbents may also take on policy portfolios assigned by the governor. Understanding these duties helps voters evaluate candidates on readiness to serve as a governing partner and presiding officer.
Key Offices on the 2024 Pennsylvania General Election Ballot
| Office | Current Elected Official | Term Ends | How the Office Is Filled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant Governor | Eugene DePasquale (as of 2023) | January 2027 | Elected on the gubernatorial ticket; serves a four-year term |
| Governor | Josh Shapiro | January 2027 | Elected statewide; nominates lieutenant governor |
| U.S. Senator | Bob Casey Jr. | January 2027 | Elected statewide; class III term |
| U.S. Representative (0–17 districts) | See district list | January 2025 or 2027 | Elected by district |
How Candidates Qualify for the Ballot
In Pennsylvania, candidates for lieutenant governor run on a joint ticket with their gubernatorial nominee. To qualify, campaigns must meet petition thresholds and filing deadlines set by the Pennsylvania Department of State. Major parties typically hold primary elections to nominate their tickets, while independent or third-party slates must gather a set number of valid signatures. Meeting these requirements ensures the candidate’s name appears on the general election ballot and can be counted on election night.
Notable Past Context and Incumbent Information
Recent lieutenant governors have shaped policy in areas such as emergency management, workforce development, and constituent outreach. Incumbents often leverage their role to build statewide visibility before running for higher office. Because the position is tied to the governor’s ticket, its electoral outcomes generally follow gubernatorial dynamics, though localized candidate profiles and endorsements can create variance. Tracking the lieutenant governor race alongside top-of-ticket races provides a more complete picture of Pennsylvania’s political landscape.
Where to Find Nonpartisan Information
For verified candidate details and election timelines, consult the Pennsylvania Department of State, county election offices, and nonpartisan voter guides. These sources provide neutral fact patterns, candidate statements, and deadlines for voting and registration. Balanced coverage from public media and higher education institutions can further clarify policy positions without partisan framing. Using multiple authoritative sources reduces misinformation risk and supports informed decision-making.
How to Follow the Race Accurately
- Bookmark the Pennsylvania Department of State election results page for certified results and updates.
- Check candidate websites and official social media accounts for policy positions and events.
- Review nonpartisan voter guides published by leagues of women voters or public colleges.
- Subscribe to official county election newsletters to receive deadline and procedural alerts.
- Confirm news reports with at least two reputable sources before sharing election information.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is the lieutenant governor elected separately from the governor in Pennsylvania?
No. In Pennsylvania, the lieutenant governor runs on the same ticket as the governor and is elected jointly. The candidate who wins the most gubernatorial votes becomes lieutenant governor.
What happens if the Pennsylvania lieutenant governor leaves office?
If the office becomes vacant, the governor nominates a replacement who must be confirmed by a majority of the state Senate. The lieutenant governor then resumes duties until the next gubernatorial term.
Can a Pennsylvania lieutenant governor seek higher office while in role?
Yes. Lieutenant governors may run for governor, U.S. Senate, or other offices while serving. In practice, many lieutenant governors campaign for higher office while still in their current role, with gubernatorial nominees often selecting a running mate who is already serving as lieutenant governor.