the lieutenant governor of california is a constitutional statewide elected office in the executive branch of the state government of the u.s. state of california. it is the second highest-ranking official in the state government. the lieutenant governor is elected on a ticket with the governor for a four-year term. official duties of the lieutenant governor are under the current california constitution are to serve as the president of the california senate, serve as the acting governor in the absence of the governor from the state or to become the governor in the event of the governor's death, resignation or impeachment.