since 2008, Phil Bryant, who served from 2008 to 2012; Tate Reeves, who served from 2012 to 2020; and Delbert Hosemann who assumed office on January 14, 2020. Election The lieutenant governor is elected independently of the governor but at the same time, and candidates' qualifications for the former office are the same as for the latter. They serve a four-year term and are limited to serving two consecutive terms in office, with no limits on nonconsecutive terms. Powers, duties, and structure The lieutenant governor is the only official in Mississippi to be a member of two branches of state government. They are ex officio President of the Senate and the Senate may empower the lieutenant governor to determine the composition of its committees and refer bills to them. Historically, the lieutenant governor has determined the composition of all Senate committees except the Rules Committee. The lieutenant governor is also allowed to serve on legislative committees. The constitution empowers the lieutenant governor to participate in legislative debates and to cast tie-breaking votes both in the Senate and in joint resolutions of both houses of the State Legislature. As presiding officer in the Senate, they rule on points of order and sign all passed bills. They are also empowered to appoint two of the members of the Mississippi Board of Education. Political scientists often describe Mississippi's lieutenant governor as one of the most powerful such officers in the country. In the event the incumbent governor of Mississippi dies, is incapacitated, or leaves the state, the lieutenant governor assumes their responsibilities as acting governor. In the event the lieutenant governor is unavailable in the State Senate, the body's president pro tempore assumes their responsibilities there. The lieutenant governor is constitutionally required to collect the same compensation as the speaker of the House. Their salary is $60,000 per year, but is set to increase to $85,000 annually in 2024. They maintain an office on the third floor of the Mississippi State Capitol. Lieutenant Governors and Presidents of the Senate Parties Lieutenant governors (1817–1832) Presidents of the Senate The Office of Lieutenant Governor was abolished by the Constitution of 1832, and the duties of President of the Senate were incorporated into a separate office. Lieutenant governors (1870–present) The Constitution of 1868 re-established the Office of Lieutenant Governor. This office also re-assumed the duties of President of the Senate. 1. Amy Tuck switched to the