Reforming the New York Lieutenant Governor Replacement Process: A Policy Recommendation

Authors

Fordham Law School Rule of Law Clinic
Spencer Shih, Fordham University School of Law
Chase Cooper, Fordham University School of Law
Harry Solomon, Fordham University School of Law

Files

Description

New York's governor has unilateral power to fill vacancies in the lieutenant governor's office. This unchecked power is undemocratic and risks elevating unqualified officials. In this report, the Fordham Law School Rule of Law Clinic recommends reforming the lieutenant governor replacement process. Building on a recommendation advanced by the New York State Bar Association, the clinic recommends providing the Legislature an opportunity to confirm the governor's nominees. If the Legislature rejects two nominations, the governor could choose a new lieutenant governor from among a group of elected and Senate-confirmed officials.

Start Date

12-2023

Publisher

Fordham Law School Rule of Law Clinic

City

New York

Keywords

gubernatorial succession, lieutenant governor