Incumbent California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara had a broad initial advantage over his eight challengers on Tuesday’s primary.
Democrat Lara was elected in 2018, resulting in being the first publicly gay state official in California. His work pays about $ 174,843 a year.
CalMatters Voter Guide: Insurance Commissioner Race Details
5.7% of the constituencies reported, Lara won 39.1% of the votes, Republican Greg Conlon 17.4%, Republican Robert Howell 16.5%, and Democratic Mark Levine 16.0%.
The other challengers were far behind:
- Vinison Allen, 4.7%
- Veronika Fimbres, 1.9%
- Jasper Jackson, 1.8%
- Robert Mornal, 1.4%
- Nathlaie Hirzi, 1.3%
The pandemic poses a unique challenge for insurance commissioners. Since many Californians aren’t driving that much, accident claims are low and Lara has instructed the car insurance company to reimburse some of those premiums. According to CalMatters.org, customers received more than $ 2.4 billion in refunds, but advocacy group Consumer Watchdog estimates that California drivers have an additional $ 5.5 billion in debt. In October, Lara asked the state’s largest car insurer to provide detailed data on how to repay the insurer and how to face legal action.
Konron is a businessman and Howell is a cybersecurity equipment manufacturer.
Levine, a member of the California State Legislature, was actively questioning Lara’s stewardship. In particular, it is not doing enough for homeowners in the wildfire area, another important part of the role of insurers in this state.
The other two Democrats running were doctor and businessman Vinson Eugene Allen and paralegal Jasper Jay Jackson.
The remaining three candidates were Greens nurse Veronika Fimbres, Peace and Liberal Party teacher and union officer Nathalie Hriizi, and health care advocate and businessman Robert J. Molnar.
In this job, office owners need to pass the needle between working at the same time for the best interests of consumers and insurance companies.
The Commissioner oversees the California Insurance Department, which regulates the state’s insurance industry, and the winning candidate will perform difficult balancing actions that are made even more difficult by the pandemic. Winners may, on the one hand, approve an increase in premium rates, but on the other hand, they must be in a position to ensure that consumers are treated fairly by the insurance company.
