The Lieutenant Governor of Alaska is elected jointly with the governor, serves the same term and acts as governor when the governor is temporarily absent. The office is created by Article III of the Alaska Constitution.[1]
| Created by | Alaska Constitution, Article III, section 7 |
|---|---|
| Term | Same as governor (four years) |
| Election | Joint ballot with governor |
| Qualifications | Same as governor |
| Acting governor | During temporary absence (section 9) |
| Succession | If vacancy in governorship (section 11) |
Constitutional basis
Section 7 states that there shall be a lieutenant governor, who has the same qualifications and term as the governor, with duties set by law or delegated by the governor. The governor must be at least 30, a qualified voter, an Alaska resident for seven years before filing and a United States citizen for seven years, and serves four years beginning at noon on the first Monday in December after election.[1]
Election
Under section 8, candidates are nominated as provided by law for other elective offices, and votes for a governor candidate also count for the running mate listed jointly on the ballot, who is elected lieutenant governor. Section 13 provides that a lieutenant governor is elected only at the time of the governor election.[1]
Acting governor and succession
During the governor’s temporary absence the lieutenant governor serves as acting governor. If the governor-elect dies, resigns or is disqualified, the lieutenant governor elected with that person succeeds for the full term, and if the governor’s office becomes vacant for any reason the lieutenant governor succeeds for the rest of the term, taking the governor’s title, powers, duties and emoluments. The office is deemed vacant after six months of continuous absence or disability.[1]
Compensation and history
Pay is set by law and cannot be reduced during the term except under a general law applying to all salaried state officers. A 1970 amendment renamed the secretary of state as lieutenant governor in 16 sections of the constitution, according to an editor’s note in the source.[1]
FAQs
How is the lieutenant governor chosen? Elected on a joint ticket with the governor.
What happens if the governor leaves office? The lieutenant governor succeeds for the rest of the term.
What are the duties? Those set by law or delegated by the governor.
Sources
Key facts
- Same term as governor
- Succeeds on vacancy
Quick checkHow is Alaska lieutenant governor elected?Show answer
On a joint ticket with the governor
Sources
- Justia. Alaska Constitution, Article III: The Executive. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue