You Won't Believe the Shocking Scandals of 10 Lieutenant Governors—#3 Will Leave You Speechless!

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In his new memoir, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania offers a candid look at his views on public office, revealing little affection for his current role and an even sharper critique of his prior position as lieutenant governor. He describes it as “the easiest job in all of America, with few mandated duties.” Yet, this perceived simplicity may inadvertently create a breeding ground for controversy, as recent scandals among lieutenant governors suggest that idle hands can indeed lead to trouble.

For instance, Micah Beckwith, the lieutenant governor of Indiana, is currently under investigation by a grand jury for allegations of payroll fraud, alongside claims that a staff member distributed a deepfake pornographic video of a state legislator's wife. Beckwith has denied any wrongdoing, but the context is complicated further by his role as a pastor currently embroiled in a separate sex scandal at his church, though he is not accused of misconduct there. Furthermore, he received a written reprimand from state-senate leadership due to controversial social media posts and for wearing AI glasses on the senate floor.

In Virginia, Republican candidate John Reid faced significant backlash during his campaign for lieutenant governor after links emerged to a pornographic blog. Reid, who is openly gay, denied ownership of the blog and suggested that the attacks were rooted in homophobia. However, accusations of racial slurs and Nazi fetishism complicated his defense.

The situation is not unique to Indiana or Virginia. In neighboring North Carolina, former lieutenant governor Mark Robinson lost his bid for the governorship after allegations surfaced regarding his online conduct, which included him describing himself as a “black Nazi” while simultaneously expressing interest in transgender pornography, despite his vocal anti-woke political stance. Robinson also denied these allegations.

Then there’s Justin Fairfax, a Democrat who served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor and whose career suffered a severe blow due to sexual assault allegations in 2019, which he has denied. These examples spotlight a troubling trend within a role designed primarily to serve as a backup for the governor.

Many lieutenant governors find their jobs lacking in duties, often merely waiting for the worst-case scenario to unfold. Washington State's lieutenant governor, Denny Heck, keeps a succession guide in his desk for emergencies. He acknowledges that while such situations may not occur frequently, being prepared is essential. In contrast, some lieutenant governors have been known to chair various boards or preside over the state Senate, but many do so with limited engagement.

For example, Billy Nungesser, Louisiana’s lieutenant governor, has taken on the role of state-tourism czar with enthusiasm. However, critics, including conservative operative Eli Lehrer, argue that the position might be unnecessary altogether, citing a lack of significant responsibilities and the potential for scandals. Even Governing magazine noted with sarcasm that the lieutenant governorship is sometimes perceived as “a real job.”

Interestingly, only 45 states currently have lieutenant governors, a number that will increase to 46 when Arizona elects its first lieutenant governor next year on a joint ticket with the governor. This addition was partly due to the political instability caused by the old system, which elevated the secretary of state, leading to potential shifts in political power.

Electing governors and lieutenant governors separately can lead to complex dynamics. For instance, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper reportedly decided against a run for vice president in 2024 to avoid raising concerns about Mark Robinson potentially serving as acting governor during his absence. Similar tensions have also played out in California, where current Governor Gavin Newsom had a contentious relationship with his predecessor, Jerry Brown, who left him without significant responsibilities.

However, some lieutenant governors, like Heck, have found ways to make their roles meaningful. Heck, with a background as a state legislator and U.S. representative, embraces his position as presiding officer of the state Senate, aiming to foster civil discourse in a climate he feels has deteriorated. Yet, even he admits to feeling like an “accidental lieutenant governor,” having entered the position only after the previous officeholder resigned.

This raises questions about the overall efficacy of the lieutenant governorship. If even promising political figures like Cyrus Habib opt to leave politics for a life in the Jesuit priesthood rather than chase the office of governor, it suggests a lack of appeal for a role that many view as overly simplistic and fraught with potential for scandal.

As the landscape of lieutenant governorships continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether these positions will gain new significance or remain mired in controversy.