" In some states, the gubernatorial candidate chooses his/her running mate while in other states parties hold separate ballots for governor and lieutenant governor. The two then run together as running mates in the general election . In some states, separate elections are held for governor and lieutenant governor. In this case, the governor and lieutenant governor run separate campaigns and can be from two different political parties. This was the case when George W. Bush was Governor of Texas. His first lieutenant governor, Bob Bullock, was a Democrat. America Race Walking Athletes In cases like this, the governor and lieutenant governor are not considered running mates because they are not elected on the same ticket. Running mates are often chosen to balance the ticket. "