04/29/2026
Living in an area with considerable wildfire risk, availability and affordability of insurance coverage is a major concern for many homeowners. Voting for a qualified candidate for Insurance Commissioner in the upcoming primary election should be something worthy of your time.
Come November, California voters will elect the state’s next insurance commissioner. The race comes at a time when California is grappling with an ongoing insurance market crisis, increasing fire hazards intensified by climate change and the aftermath of 2025’s Los Angeles-area wildfires.
CalMatters’ Levi Sumagaysay spoke with the five candidates who raised the most money to learn what they would do if chosen to lead the California Insurance Department.
Ben Allen, Democrat: The El Segundo state senator, who represents a district that was hit by the Southern California wildfires, wants to set up a consumer advocate position within the insurance department. He also wants to create funding sources, such as state-backed loans, to make homes more fire resistant.
Steven Bradford, Democrat: To keep private insurers in the state, the former legislator and Southern California Edison executive would establish a partnership between the state and private companies to share risk. Bradford would also seek input from insurance companies when discussing land use and planning.
Merritt Farren, Republican: After his home was destroyed in last year’s wildfire, the former Amazon and Disney executive became an intervenor — a member of the public who can challenge insurers’ rate reviews. Farren wants to create CAL Reinsure so the state could provide a backstop for insurers, and rework regulations that he views as discouraging new insurance products in the market.
Jane Kim, Democrat: The head of the California Working Families Party wants to create “natural disaster insurance for all,” and establish a public option for auto insurance. Kim also believes the state should centralize all insurance authority within the Insurance Department, including managed health care.
Patrick Wolff, Democrat: A financial analyst who resides in San Francisco, Wolff wants to hold insurers accountable by creating a report card that would grade how insurers handle claims. He also wants to establish a dashboard that would disclose complaints about life insurance providers.
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It's a big job to regulate the nation's largest property and casualty insurance market for homeowners, businesses, renters and drivers. California wildfires have made it harder.