How are Vacancies handled in the Executive offices?

Governor – If the Governor resigns or dies, the Lt. Gov. becomes Gov. and fulfills the remainder of the term. If there is also a vacancy in the Lt. Gov’s office at the time, then the succession falls to the first of the following who is of the same political party as the Governor: President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Minority Leader of the Senate, Minority Leader of the House.

Lt. Gov. – A vacancy in the Lt. Governor’s office is filled by an appointment from the Governor which has to be confirmed by both houses of the Legislature. The newly appointed person serves the remainder of the term.

Treasurer, Attorney General, Sec. of State, or CU Regent – Vacancies in any of these offices is filled by appointment of the Governor. The newly appointed person does not have to be of the same political party as the outgoing official, but the appointment does have to be confirmed by the State Senate. At the next general election (i.e.- the next November of an even-numbered year), the office will be up for election and the winner of the election will serve the remainder, if any, of the term.

State Board of Education – If a vacancy occurs in the State Board of Ed. the vacancy committee of the political party of the out-going member for the congressional district in question will elect a person to serve until the next general election, at which time the office will be up for election and the winner of that election will serve the remainder, if any, of the term. (see “Re-Organization” for more on Vacancy Committees)