The government of American Samoa consists of a locally elected governor, lieutenant governor and the American Samoa Fono, which consists of an 18-member Senate and a 21-member House of Representatives. The first popular election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor took place in 1977. Candidates for the offices run together on a joint ticket. The first woman to run for election was Arieta Enesi Mulitauaopele in 1977.
The current lieutenant governor is Pula Ae Ae, who has been in office since 2025.
List of lieutenant governors of American Samoa
Appointed lieutenant governors Frank Barnett (Democrat, 1974–76)
Elected lieutenant governors Image Name Political party Term started Term ended Notes Tufele Liamatua Republican January 3, 1978 January 3, 1985 First elected lt. governor of American Samoa Eni Faleomavaega Democratic January 3, 1985 January 2, 1989 Galea'i Peni Poumele Republican January 2, 1989 July 27, 1992 Poumele died in office in July 1992. Gaioi Tufele Galeai Republican August 1992 January 4, 1993 Widow of Lt. Governor Galea'i Peni Poumele. Served the remainder of Poumele's unexpired term Tauese Sunia Democratic January 4, 1993 January 3, 1997 Togiola Tulafono Democratic January 3, 1997 March 26, 2003 Acting governor from March 26, 2003, to April 7, 2003, following the death of Governor Tauese Sunia. colspan=6 Faoa Aitofele Sunia Democratic April 11, 2003 January 3, 2013 Lemanu Peleti Mauga IndependentJanuary 3, 2013January 3, 2021 DemocraticSalo Ale DemocraticJanuary 3, 2021January 3, 2025 Democratic Pulu Ae Ae RepublicanJanuary 3, 2025Incumbent
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