The second-highest ranking official in Mississippi’s executive branch is the Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi. This rank is just below the governor. The office of lieutenant Governor was created when Mississippi became a state. It was abolished for several decades during the first half 19th century and then restored in the latter part of the century. The state Senate’s president is the Lieutenant Governor. He only votes to end a tie. Because they are part of the Mississippi state Senate, the Mississippi lieutenant governor is more powerful than other offices. The only person who can appoint members, vice chairmen and chairs to the various Senate committees is the Lieutenant Governor, regardless of which party controls the chamber. The power of the office makes it more powerful than the governorship. Delbert Hosemann, Shane Quick and Shane Quick are the Republican candidates for lieutenant Governor in 2019. Jay Hughes is the Democratic candidate for lieutenant Governor.