RALEIGH, N.C. — The next election in North Carolina is quickly approaching, but there are only a few races on the ballot.

One of them is the Republican runoff for the nomination for lieutenant governor.

It’s one of the highest offices in the state, but do you know what it entails?

What You Need To Know

  • There is a May runoff election for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor

  • The position is elected separately from the governor

  • The role is the only one to have power in both the legislative and executive branches

  • The lieutenant governor oversees the state Senate sessions

Unlike many other states, North Carolina elects the governor and lieutenant governor separately. Many times, like now, that means that the two people holding the positions come from different parties.

The lieutenant governor is the only person in the state to have power in both the executive and legislative branches, although it’s limited power.

They oversee the state Senate and preside over the sessions.

In rare cases, they are there to cast a tie-breaking vote.

The lieutenant governor is also a member of the Council of State. They also serve on the N.C. Board of Education, the State Board of Community Colleges, the N.C. Capital Planning Commission, and they are the chair of the N.C. e-Learning Commission.

While it’s considered by many to be a launchpad to the highest office, the governor, only nine of the state’s former lieutenant governors have ever won the race to move up a seat. The May runoff is between Republicans Hal Weatherman and Jim O’Neill.

The winner will face off against the Democratic nominee, state Sen. Rachel Hunt.