In 1971, I believe it was, VA had a special election for lieutenant governor, won by liberal Democrat whose name I can’t recall. Liberal pollster Larry Sabato used to be on the staff of this Democrat. His name may have been Henry Howell.
VA passed a new constitution that took effect 1 July, 1971. It says:
“The Governor shall have power to fill vacancies in all offices of the Commonwealth for the filling of which the
Constitution and laws make no other provision. If such office be one filled by the election of the people, the
appointee shall hold office until the next general election, and thereafter until his successor qualifies, according to
law”
From what I have read, the transfer would happen like this.
1. The Governor would appoint a new Lt Governor.
2. During the next regular election, the electorate would select a new Lt Governor.
Once #1 happens, the Governor could resign and his LT would succeed to the office of Governor.
Caveat: I could be wrong.