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
New Report: Lt. Governor Kounalakis Highlights Immigrants’ Vital Role in California’s Economy
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Highlights New Report on Immigrants' Critical Role in California’s Economy For Immediate Release Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Contact: Press@ltg.ca.gov, (916) 445-8994 SACRAMENTO, CA – Following a wave of alarming ICE raids in Los...
NO KINGS ALLOWED: California Standing up to President Trump’s Militarized Overreach
Dear Californians, This month, in a dangerous and deeply troubling escalation, President Donald Trump attempted to seize control of the California National Guard. Ignoring the lack of need for federal intervention, and without consulting state or local leaders,...
Lt. Governor Kounalakis Announces Support for Legislation to Accelerate Housing Production
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis’s Statement on Her Support for Legislation to Accelerate Housing Production For Immediate Release Friday, June 20, 2025 Contact: Press@ltg.ca.gov, (916) 445-8994 SACRAMENTO, CA – 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.
