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.
During his tenure as president pro tempore of the Michigan Senate, Drake concurrently served as the third Lieutenant Governor of Michigan from February 23, 1841, to January 3, 1842, under James Wright Gordon after William Woodbridge's departure. The lieutenant governor's role was largely ceremonial, with duties limited to senate presidencies and acting governorship.