Which is More Prestigious: Being a State Governor or a United States Senator?

When discussing the prestige of politicians, a common debate arises between the roles of a state governor and a United States senator. Both positions carry significant influence and visibility, but the level of prestige and power can vary greatly.

The Role of a Governor: Power and Responsibility

A governor is the chief executive of a U.S. state. They have the power to implement policies, manage state resources, and serve as the state's primary representative at the federal level. While a governor's role is crucial, it often requires substantial effort and engagement with state affairs.

Many governors are highly acclaimed for their leadership and decision-making skills. However, the claim that being a governor means having to do something is indeed true. Governors often face demanding duties and have a significant impact on local and state policies.

The Role of a Senator: Influence and Inactivity Perception

A United States senator, on the other hand, represents a state in the U.S. Senate and serves a long six-year term. While they have substantial influence in national politics and legislation, their duties can sometimes be perceived as less hands-on compared to governors.

The perception that "as a Governor a person kinda has to do something. As a Senator a person can just sit on their ass" reflects a common view among certain circles. However, this perception may not always be accurate. Senators have numerous important responsibilities, from chairing committees to proposing and voting on legislation that affects the nation as a whole.

Comparing Prestige and Power

The question of which role is more prestigious ultimately depends on a variety of factors, including the state in question, the political climate, and individual achievements. Generally speaking, being a United States senator is often considered more prestigious due to the national platform and the extensive influence over federal policies and legislation.

Some notable examples include former governors who have transitioned to the Senate, such as John Hickenlooper, Tom Carper, Rick Scott, Mike Risch, Brad King, Mike Ricketts, Jeanne Shaheen, Orrin Hatch, Bob Casey Jr., Joe Manchin, Tim Johnson, John Barrasso, Mark Warner, Ed Markey, Claire McCaskill, and Jack Reed. Out of the 100 senators, only 21 have been either sitting or former senators who served as governors, while over 150 sitting or former governors have been elected to the Senate. Mike DeWine, a former senator, was elected governor but is currently the only former senator currently serving as a governor.

Choosing Your Path

Whether you aspire to be a governor or a senator depends on your goals and interests. If your aim is to be an "Instagram influencer" and gain significant national attention, the Senate may be the more prestigious choice. Senatorial roles often come with a larger platform and a broader audience. On the other hand, if you wish to gain extensive hands-on experience in state-level governance and aim for a more stable, lifetime political career, becoming a governor might be more suitable.

If your ultimate goal is to run for president someday, the experience gained in governing a state can be invaluable. Governors often enter federal politics with a solid foundation in administrative and policy-making skills, which can be extremely beneficial in national campaigns.

Ultimately, the choice between becoming a state governor or a United States senator depends on your personal goals, the specific political climate, and the nature of your leadership aspirations.