If you’re wondering who is the lt governor of California, the answer is Eleni Kounalakis. She has been in the job since 2019, and honestly, she’s made a name for herself by being a lot more active than the people who usually hold this "spare tire" position.
Most folks think the Lieutenant Governor just waits around for the Governor to leave the state so they can sit in the big chair for a few days. While that’s technically true—Kounalakis becomes "Acting Governor" the second Gavin Newsom crosses the state line—there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface.
The Woman in the Office: Eleni Kounalakis
Eleni Kounalakis is the 50th person to hold this seat. She’s also a trailblazer. She is the first woman ever elected to the position in California’s history. Before she got into state politics, she was a high-level diplomat, serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Hungary under President Obama.
You’ve probably seen her name in the news lately because she was planning a run for Governor in 2026. However, in a surprising twist that shook up the Sacramento bubble in late 2025, she actually dropped out of the governor’s race. Instead, she’s now aiming for the State Treasurer’s office.
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Why the Lieutenant Governor Actually Has Power
Don't let the "Lieutenant" title fool you into thinking it's just a ceremonial gig. Kounalakis actually wields a massive amount of influence over things that hit your wallet and your kids' future.
She is the only elected official who sits on the boards of all three of California’s public higher education systems. We’re talking about the UC Regents, the CSU Trustees, and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.
When tuition hikes come up for a vote, she’s there. When new campuses are planned, she’s there. She has used this platform to be a pretty vocal critic of rising costs for students. Beyond the classroom, she also chairs the State Lands Commission. This group manages millions of acres of state land, including the coast. If there’s a debate about offshore oil drilling or beach access, the Lt. Governor is right in the middle of it.
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A Different Kind of "Acting" Governor
The California Constitution is pretty specific. Whenever the Governor is out of the state, the Lieutenant Governor takes over. In the past, this was mostly a formality. But Kounalakis and Newsom have a "collaborative partnership" that's a bit different from the historical norm.
Sometimes, the Lt. Governor and Governor hate each other. They are elected separately, so you could technically have a Republican Governor and a Democratic Lt. Governor (though not right now). Back in the day, when Mike Curb was Lt. Governor under Jerry Brown, he’d wait for Brown to leave the state and then start signing executive orders to undo everything Brown did.
Kounalakis doesn't do that. She mostly uses the "Acting Governor" role to sign proclamations or keep the wheels of government turning smoothly while Newsom is doing national political work or traveling abroad.
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The 2026 Shift
So, why did she drop out of the Governor's race? Honestly, the field was getting crowded. Even with big endorsements like Nancy Pelosi, the polling was tough. By moving her sights to the Treasurer's office, she's looking to leverage her background in housing development—she spent nearly two decades at AKT Development before her diplomatic career.
Because she is term-limited, 2026 will see a brand new face in the Lt. Governor’s office. The race to replace her is already heating up with names like Fiona Ma and others jumping in.
What You Should Do Next
If you want to keep an eye on how the "Number Two" in California is spending your tax dollars, there are a few things you can actually do:
- Watch the UC/CSU Board Meetings: Since Kounalakis (and whoever follows her) has a vote on tuition, these meetings are where the real decisions happen. Most are live-streamed.
- Track the State Lands Commission: If you care about the California coast, this is the body that decides on leases and environmental protections.
- Check the 2026 Primary Candidates: Since the Lt. Governor position is often a stepping stone to the Governor’s mansion—just look at Gavin Newsom and Gray Davis—whoever wins this seat in 2026 will likely be a major player for the next decade.
Keep an eye on the legislative cycles. Kounalakis has been active in sponsoring bills related to environmental justice and reproductive rights, proving that the office is only as "quiet" as the person sitting in it wants it to be.