Of the 31 lieutenant gubernatorial offices up for election this year, Democrats and Republicans each hold 15. The other office on the ballot is a new one.
Arizona is holding its first election for lieutenant governor after voters created the office in 2022. This means the total number of offices is increasing from 45 to 46 this year. Currently, there are 24 Republican lieutenant governors and 20 Democratic lieutenant governors. One office is vacant, after New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell (D) resigned on Sept. 26, 2026. Democrats would need to gain two offices to control a majority nationwide. Republicans can lose no more than one to retain their majority.
The powers and duties of the lieutenant governor vary from state to state. Lieutenant governors are responsible for filling vacancies in the office of the governor. In many states, lieutenant governors often sit on boards or commissions and are often involved in the proceedings of the state Senate.
