While serving as president pro tempore of the Michigan Senate, Drake served as the third Lieutenant Governor of Michigan from February 23, 1841, to January 3, 1842, under James Wright Gordon after the resignation of Governor William Woodbridge. Under the 1835 constitution, the lieutenant governor had no specifically defined duties other than presiding over the senate and as filling in as acting governor.
While holding the office of president pro tempore in the Michigan Senate, Drake acted as the third Lieutenant Governor of Michigan from February 23, 1841, to January 3, 1842, under James Wright Gordon following Governor William Woodbridge's resignation. Under the 1835 constitution, the lieutenant governor had undefined responsibilities beyond presiding over the senate and serving as acting governor.