Elections & Campaigns
Post-Election Analysis: Expected Red Wave Turns Blue
November 9, 2022 | Bill Kramer
Post-Election Results & Analysis
Of the 26 lieutenant governor elections this cycle, only 3 seats switched political parties in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Nevada. Most are elected on joint tickets with the governor. Additionally, voters in Arizona approved a ballot measure to add a lieutenant governor’s office.
Pre-Election Preview
How Are Lieutenant Governors Selected?
Lieutenant governor is a statewide position, the second-highest in the executive branch, in 45 states. Arizona, New Hampshire, Maine, Oregon, and Wyoming do not have a lieutenant governor position. Of the 45 states with a lieutenant governor, 43 are elected to that position. The two exceptions are Tennessee and West Virginia, where the senate president serves as the lieutenant governor. Only 17 states elect a lieutenant governor independently, while 26 states elect the governor and lieutenant governor on a joint ticket (similar to how U.S President and Vice President run on a joint ticket and are not elected separately).
Current Partisan Breakdown of Lt. Governors
Currently, Republicans hold lieutenant governorships in 26 states compared to 19 lieutenant governorships held by Democrats.States with Lt. Governor Elections in 2022
On November 8, 2022, lieutenant gubernatorial seats in 30 states are up for election. Of the 30 lieutenant gubernatorial seats up for election in 2022, 15 seats are currently held by Democrats, and 15 seats are currently held by Republicans.
Primary Elections: Dates and Results
The chart below lays out the primary dates and the victors (once available) in major party primaries for the 30 lieutenant gubernatorial races. Asterisk (*) indicated incumbent.
Additional Resources and Analysis
Visit our 2022 State Elections Toolkit for additional information on all of the state executive and legislative seats up for election this year, handy downloadable resources, and analysis of the potential impact on the partisan makeup of state governments.