Overview

The Governor is the chief executive in the state. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 1. The Lieutenant Governor is the second-highest-ranking official in the state and fills the position of Governor in the event of the Governor’s death, resignation, removal from office, impeachment, incapacity, or absence from the state. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 26.

The Governor plays a limited role in the administration and oversight of elections in the state. After the Board of State Canvassers has ascertained election results, the Governor issues certificates for presidential and vice-presidential electors. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.46(1). The Governor transmits these certificates to each chosen elector and the Archivist of the United States. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.46(2). The Governor also certifies the election or appointment of a U.S. Senator to the president of the U.S. Senate. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.102.

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected on the same ballot for a four-year term and are term-limited to two terms. MCLS Const. Art. V, §§ 21, 30. The current Governor of Michigan is Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat. The current Lieutenant Governor is Garlin Gilchrist, also a Democrat. Both officials took office on January 1, 2019. The next election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor in Michigan will be held in 2026.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the Governor are:

1. Issuing and transmitting certificates for presidential and vice-presidential electors. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.46(1)-(2).
2. Certifying the election or appointment of U.S. Senators. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.102.

The key duties of the Lieutenant Governor are:

1. Filling the position of Governor if the need arises. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 26.

Selection and Vacancy Information

• Elected: The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected positions. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 21. The two positions are elected jointly on one ticket in the general election held in alternate even-numbered years. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 21.
• Tie-breaking: In the case of a tie, the Board of Canvassers in the county in which the election was held determines a winner by lot. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.851.
• Term of Office: The Governor and Lieutenant Governor hold office for a term of four years. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 21. Both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are limited to two terms in office. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 30.
• Next Election: The next general election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor in Michigan will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
• Qualifications: To be eligible for the office of Governor or Lieutenant Governor, an individual must be at least 30 years old and have been registered to vote in Michigan for at least four years preceding the election. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 22.
• Vacancy: **If the Governor is impeached and convicted, is removed from office, dies, or resigns, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor for the remainder of the term. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 26; Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.67. The Secretary of State and then the Attorney General are next in the line of succession if the Lieutenant Governor is unable to serve. MCLS Const. Art. V, § 26; Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.67. If there is a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor, the state senate appoints by resolution an Acting Lieutenant Governor of the same political party as the Governor. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.67.