The Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi is the second-highest ranking officer in the executive branch of Mississippi’s state government, right below the governor. The office of lieutenant governor was established when Mississippi became a state, abolished for a few decades in the first half of the 19th century, and restored later in the century. The Lieutenant Governor is president of the state Senate and presides over it, only voting to break a tie. Compared to the same office in other states, Mississippi’s lieutenant governor has much more power because of their role with the state Senate. The Lieutenant Governor has the sole ability to appoint members, vice-chairmen, and chairmen to the various Senate committees, regardless of which party has control of the chamber.
