[2] Most recently, Jane Swift became acting governor when Paul Cellucci resigned in 2001 to become the U.S.

The 1780 constitution required a candidate for either office to have lived in Massachusetts for at least seven years immediately preceding election, own at least £1,000 worth of real property and to "declare himself to be of the Christian religion".

However, only the residency requirement remains in effect, and both men and women have served in the office.

Originally the deputy, along with the governor, and the Council of Assistants were elected by freemen of the colony.

The Royal Government in Great Britain was frustrated with their lack of control of the New England colonies and sought to reassert their authority.

Now styled "Lieutenant Governor", the new royal appointees came into conflict with the colonists and General Court who wished to regain authority of provincial affairs.

When the state constitution was first enacted in 1780, elections for the two offices were independent, and were held annually.

Democratic (15) Democratic-Republican (7) Federalist (4) Independent (2) Know Nothing (1) Republican (39) Whig (5) Hutchinson, Thomas (1749).