Republicans hold 24 lieutenant governor seats as 31 are up in 2026
Thirty-one lieutenant governor offices are on the 2026 ballot, with Democrats and Republicans each currently holding 15 of those seats. Nationwide, Republicans hold 24 lieutenant governorships and Democrats hold 20, while one office is vacant after New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned. Arizona will hold its first lieutenant governor election after voters created the office in 2022, raising the total number of such offices from 45 to 46.
The officeholder can assume the governorship if it becomes vacant, and in numerous states the role includes board or commission work and involvement in Senate proceedings. Selection methods differ: Tennessee and West Virginia give the duty to the Senate president, while 44 states elect the position. Seventeen states choose it separately from the governor; 27 pair the two on one ticket.
This year, 31 lieutenant governor posts appear on ballots. Each party currently controls 15 of them. Across the country, Republicans hold 24 and Democrats 20, while New Jersey's seat is empty following Dale Caldwell's resignation. Arizona's inaugural contest for the office, authorized by a 2022 vote, raises the nationwide total from 45 to 46.
The 2026 lieutenant governor races may affect how state administrations handle gubernatorial vacancies and Senate-related duties. Voters in states with contests could see ticket choices shape leadership pipelines, while Arizona's first election may set new electoral expectations. The New Jersey vacancy and the narrow national balance could make these often-overlooked offices more consequential for residents and parties.