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
Lt. Governor Kounalakis Completes Visits to all CSU and UC Campuses
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Completes Visits to all California State University and University of California Campuses For Immediate Release Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Contact: Press@ltg.ca.gov, (916) 445-8994 SACRAMENTO — Lieutenant Governor...
California International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee Meeting Recap (April 2025)
California International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee Meeting Recap For Immediate Release Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Contact: Press@ltg.ca.gov, (916) 445-8994 SACRAMENTO - Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis convened...
Lt. Governor Kounalakis’s Statement on California Lawsuit to Block President Trump’s Tariffs
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis’s Statement on California Lawsuit to Block President Trump's Tariffs For Immediate Release Wednesday, April 16, 2025 Contact: Press@ltg.ca.gov, (916) 445-8994 SACRAMENTO — Today, Lieutenant Governor Eleni...
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.
