When Do Local and State Elected Officials Take Office?

With the November 8, 2022 statewide general election approaching, a common question is when local and state elected officials take office after their respective elections.

Statewide Constitutional Officers

Pursuant to Article V, Section 2 of the state Constitution, “the Governor shall … hold office from the Monday after January 1 following the election until a successor qualifies.” The eight other constitutional officers take office on the same day.

State Senators and Assembly Members

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 2(a)(3) of the state Constitution, “the terms of a Senator or a Member of the Assembly shall commence on the first Monday in December next following her or his election.”

Local Elected Officials

Pursuant to Government Code Section 24200, “except as otherwise provided [of which there are several exceptions], all elective county officers … take office at 12 o’clock noon on the first Monday after the January1st succeeding their election.”

Pursuant to Elections Code Section 10554, pursuant to the Uniform District Election Law, “elective officers, elected or appointed pursuant to this part, take office at noon on the first Friday in December next following the general election.”

There are a number of other dates for different local officials to take office, such as those who are elected during an odd-numbered year, among others.