Overview

The Governor is the chief executive officer of the state. Pa. Const. Art. IV, § 1. He has limited involvement in the election process in Pennsylvania. His most important role is appointing the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Pa. Const. Art. IV, § 8(b).

Duties

The key duties of the Governor are:

1. Appointing the Secretary of the Commonwealth, subject to confirmation by the State Senate. Pa. Const. Art. IV, § 8(b).
2. Appointing certain members of the Election Law Advisory Board, subject to confirmation by the State Senate. 25 P.S. § 3150.22.
3. Calling for special elections when vacancies arise in the United States Congress. 25 P.S. §§ 2776, 2777.
4. Issuing commissions of offices for county and local offices. 25 P.S. § 3160.
5. Issuing certificates of election for offices of the United States Congress and Presidential Electors. 25 P.S. §§ 3163, 3166.
6. When an election is contested, directing the appropriate judges to convene and proceed to hear and determine the case. 25 P.S. § 3377.

Election and Vacancy Information

• **Elected: **The Governor is elected statewide at the general election. Pa. Const. Art. IV, § 2; 25 P.S. § 2751.
• Term of Office: The Governor serves a four-year term, and is eligible to serve one additional term*. Pa. Const. Art. IV, § 3*.
• Next Election: November 3, 2026.
• Qualifications: The Governor must be a citizen of the United States, be at least 30 years old, and have been an inhabitant of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the preceding seven years. Pa. Const. Art. IV, § 5.
• Vacancy: **"In the case of the death, conviction on impeachment, failure to qualify or resignation of the Governor," the Lieutenant Governor will become Governor for the remainder of the term. Pa. Const. Art. IV, § 13.