Lieutenant Governor
Eleni Kounalakis
Office of the Lt. Governor of California Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis
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About the Office of Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor of California plays a vital role in state leadership, serving as Acting Governor when the Governor is out of state and assuming the office if a vacancy occurs. As President of the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor casts tie-breaking votes and serves on key higher education boards, including the University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges. Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor chairs the State Lands Commission in alternating years, overseeing millions of acres of state-owned land and coastal resources.
Recent News
Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis proclaims Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
For Immediate ReleaseTuesday, September 23, 2025Contact:Press@ltg.ca.gov, (916) 445-8994 SACRAMENTO, CA – Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis today issued a proclamation declaring September 2025 as “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.”The...
Governor Newsom and Acting Governor Kounalakis issue statements, lower flags, and announce the posthumous induction of John Burton into the California Hall of Fame
For Immediate Release Sunday, September 7, 2025 Contact: Press@ltg.ca.gov, (916) 445-8994 SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today announced that John Burton will be posthumously inducted...
Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis proclaims Labor Day
For Immediate ReleaseMonday, September 1, 2025Contact:Press@ltg.ca.gov, (916) 445-8994 SACRAMENTO, CA – Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis today issued a proclamation declaring September 1, 2025 as Labor Day. The text of the...
Priorities
Higher Education
Environment
International Affairs
Equity
California Lieutenant Governor
Eleni Kounalakis
Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis was sworn in as the 50th Lieutenant Governor of California by Governor Gavin Newsom on January 7th, 2019. She is the first woman elected Lt. Governor of California. A native Californian, she visited each of the state’s 58 counties during her historic campaign. In addition to her duties as Lt. Governor, Kounalakis is California’s Representative for International Affairs and Trade, appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom by executive order.
