California Governor Term Limits
The term limits for governors in California can vary depending on the circumstances of how the governor comes into office. The term limit for governors changed after 1990 when the California legislature adopted new rules.
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Eligibility for Office
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Candidates who wish to run for governor in the state of California must be U.S. citizens who resided in California for a minimum of five years prior to running for office.
Term Limits for Elected Governors
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Governors are to be elected in the same election as for positions in the state legislature every four years. Their term commences the Monday after Jan. 1 of the upcoming year. If they serve a full term, they are eligible to run for a second term of four years.
Term Limits: Special Circumstances
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According to the California Secretary of State, if for some reason the governor is recalled or has to vacate her position, the individual who serves out the remainder of the term can only serve an additional term of four years.
Term Limits for Previously Elected Officials
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Those who served as governor prior to 1990 are eligible for reelection as the term limits did not come into effect until 1990. Their post-1990 elections will be limited to a maximum two four-year terms if elected in a regular election. If coming into office as a result of a recall or resignation of the previous governor, they are only eligible for the remainder of the original governor's term as well as an additional four-year term.
Trends
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The Public Policy Institute of California mentions that all of California's governors since 1942 have been elected to a second term. Gray Davis, however, was recalled during his second term which led to Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2003 election. This means that Schwarzenegger has served two terms of less than eight years combined but is ineligible for reelection.
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References
- Photo Credit California flag image by palmer530 from Fotolia.com
