The Vermont Lieutenant Governor is the state’s second-ranking executive officer, presides over the Vermont Senate, and is first in line to succeed the Governor. The position is elected statewide to a two-year term, currently pays $99,486 a year, and is held by Republican John Rodgers. Vermont is one of only two states, along with New Hampshire, that still uses a two-year cycle for its top executive offices, so the seat is on the ballot every even-numbered year. The next election falls in 2026.
What the Lieutenant Governor Does
The most visible duty is running the Vermont Senate. Chapter II, Section 19 of the Vermont Constitution names the Lieutenant Governor as President of the Senate, which means managing floor debate, recognizing speakers, and enforcing parliamentary procedure. When the Lieutenant Governor is absent or acting as Governor, the Senate picks a president pro tempore from its own members to fill in.
In the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor has no regular vote. The only voting power is a casting vote when senators split evenly. That single tie-breaker can decide a closely divided bill, but it does not come up often. The Lieutenant Governor also presides over joint sessions of the General Assembly.
Whenever the Governor leaves Vermont, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Acting Governor under 3 V.S.A. § 1. During those stretches the Lieutenant Governor can exercise the full powers of the office, including signing or vetoing legislation and responding to emergencies. The authority ends the moment the Governor returns to the state.
If the Governor dies, resigns, is removed, or becomes unable to serve, the Lieutenant Governor takes over the governorship outright. Chapter II of the Vermont Constitution, including Section 24, sets up that transfer.1Vermont General Assembly. Constitution of the State of Vermont – Chapter II, Section 24 Because the position is part-time, the day-to-day executive portfolio is narrower than in states where the office runs major agencies. The Lieutenant Governor also sits on various boards and commissions as required by statute.
How the Office Is Filled
Vermont voters elect the Lieutenant Governor on a ballot line separate from the Governor. The two officials can, and often do, come from different parties. There are no term limits, so an incumbent can run again indefinitely.
To be eligible, a candidate must be a registered Vermont voter and must have lived in the state for at least four years immediately before the election. Those requirements come from Chapter II of the Vermont Constitution and mirror the rules for Governor. The Secretary of State’s office reviews filings to confirm eligibility, and major-party candidates get on the ballot by filing a nominating petition with at least 500 registered-voter signatures along with a consent-of-candidate form and a financial disclosure form.2Vermont Secretary of State. 2026 August Primary Major Party Petition, Consent, and Financial Disclosure – Statewide and General Assembly
Vermont is unusual in requiring a true majority to win. A candidate has to receive more than 50 percent of the popular vote to be declared the winner outright.3Vermont General Assembly. Constitution of the State of Vermont – Chapter II, Section 47 If no one clears that threshold, the election goes to the legislature. Under Chapter II, Section 47, the Senate and House meet in joint session and vote by joint ballot to choose from among the top three vote-getters. The same rule applies to the Governor and State Treasurer, and it has been used several times in Vermont history.
What Happens If the Office Becomes Vacant
Vermont has no mechanism to fill a vacancy in the Lieutenant Governor’s office mid-term. If the incumbent resigns, dies, or moves up to the governorship, the seat stays empty until the next regular election. The Senate handles presiding duties in the meantime through its president pro tempore.
That gap matters if the Governor’s office also opens up at the same time. Section 24 tells the legislature to designate by law who takes over when both top offices are vacant, and Vermont statute sets that chain: the speaker of the House, then the president pro tempore of the Senate, then the secretary of state, then the treasurer.4Vermont General Assembly. Current Vermont Government Succession Provisions Whoever acts as Governor under that chain holds the position until the disability ends or a new Governor is elected.
Salary and Staffing
The Lieutenant Governor’s annual salary for fiscal year 2027, covering July 2026 through June 2027, is $99,486, according to the office’s budget submission to the Vermont Joint Fiscal Office.5Vermont Joint Fiscal Office. Lieutenant Governor FY27 Budget Presentation The figure has risen in recent budget cycles but still reflects a part-time position. The office runs with a small staff and a modest budget, in line with its primarily legislative role.