Loren Lippincott
Nebraska’s Primary Election this year falls on Tuesday, May 12. Before selecting your choice for the candidate, it is wise to know the function of the office being sought. Recently, I reviewed the role of the secretary of state and this week I will look at the position of the lieutenant governor. The man who currently holds that office is Joe Kelly. Born and raised in Lexington, he graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1978 and its law school in 1981. Kelly served as a county criminal prosecutor and later as a U.S. District Attorney. He also served as an officer in our Nebraska Army National Guard. He and Susan, his wife of more than 30 years, have two children.
The lieutenant governor of Nebraska serves as the state’s second-highest executive officer and plays a critical role in both the executive and legislative branches of government. That role is outlined and established under Article IV, Section 1 of the Nebraska Constitution, making it a constitutional position within the executive branch and ranking immediately below the governor. While the role is often seen as a stepping stone to the governor’s office, its duties are both ceremonial and substantive, blending succession duties with legislative oversight. The lieutenant governor is elected statewide every four years and runs on a joint ticket with the gubernatorial candidate, meaning voters select the pair together rather than separately.
The most prominent responsibility of the lieutenant governor is presiding over the Nebraska Legislature. As President of the Legislature, the lieutenant governor chairs sessions, maintains order, rules on procedural matters, and ensures debates adhere to parliamentary rules. This position grants the lieutenant governor significant influence over the legislative process, though the Nebraska Legislature elects a Speaker who handles much of the dayto day leadership and agendasetting. The lieutenant governor typically votes only in cases of a tie, preserving impartiality in most proceedings.
A core function of the office is gubernatorial succession. Under the Nebraska Constitution, the lieutenant becomes governor if the office becomes vacant due to death, resignation, removal, or permanent incapacity. Additionally, the lieutenant governor serves as acting governor whenever the governor is out of state or temporarily incapacitated. This succession role ensures continuity in executive leadership, a standard feature of the office across the nation, but is particularly important in Nebraska’s streamlined governmental structure. Beyond these constitutional duties, the lieutenant governor performs tasks delegated by the governor.
The officeholder may be assigned to represent the state at events, lead special initiatives, or chair boards and commissions in the governor’s place. The lieutenant governor is required to devote full time to official duties and is ineligible for other state offices during his or her term, preventing conflicts of interest. In practice, the role’s scope can vary depending on the relationship between the governor and lieutenant and the priorities of the administration. For example, some lieutenant governors focus on economic development, rural issues, or intergovernmental relations.
Qualifications for the office are straightforward but rigorous. Candidates must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizens, and residents of Nebraska for at least five years prior to election. There are no term limits, allowing incumbents to seek reelection indefinitely. The position is nonpartisan in its legislative presiding role, though the officeholder is affiliated with a political party through the gubernatorial ticket.
Historically, the office dates back to Nebraska’s statehood in 1867, but its current form was shaped by constitutional amendments, including a 1972 change that aligned the lieutenant governor’s election with the governor’s. This joint election system strengthens the partnership between the two executives and reduces potential friction that might arise from separately elected officials. The lieutenant governor’s role is relatively limited compared to states where the position carries more formal executive authority, such as veto power or independent policy portfolios. However, the combination of legislative presiding duties and executive succession makes it essential to governance.
In summary, the lieutenant governor of Nebraska balances ceremonial functions, legislative oversight, and executive readiness. By presiding over the Unicameral, ensuring smooth succession, and supporting the governor’s agenda, the officeholder contributes to the stability and efficiency of state government, while helping maintain the balance between the executive and legislative branches.
Loren Lippincott represents Legislative District 34 in the Nebraska State Senate. Read his column in the Nance County Journal.