" 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. In cases like this, the governor and lieutenant governor are not considered running mates because they are not elected on the same ticket. America Race Walking Athletes Running mates are often chosen to balance the ticket. That is to create more widespread appeal for a ticket by expanding it appeal across geographic or ideological lines. "