Insurance Commissioner California Candidates

As the state of California gears up for the upcoming elections, the race for the insurance commissioner is heating up. The insurance commissioner is an elected official who is responsible for regulating the insurance industry in the state. They are tasked with a range of responsibilities, including ensuring that insurance companies follow the laws and regulations, protecting consumers, and overseeing the market for insurance products.

The Candidates

There are three main candidates running for the position of insurance commissioner in California. They are:

Candidate
Party
Experience
Ricardo Lara
Democratic
Current State Senator
Steve Poizner
Independent
Former Insurance Commissioner
Asif Mahmood
Democratic
Physician and Businessman

Ricardo Lara

Ricardo Lara is a Democratic State Senator who has served in the California State Legislature since 2012. He has been a strong advocate for workers’ rights and universal healthcare. He is also a supporter of renewable energy and has worked to protect the environment.

As insurance commissioner, he would work to ensure that insurance companies are held accountable and that consumers are protected. He has also pledged to work to lower healthcare costs and to make healthcare more affordable for all Californians.

One of his key campaign promises is to prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage or raising rates based on pre-existing conditions, which is a protection that was put in place by the Affordable Care Act but is currently under threat at the federal level.

He has received endorsements from a number of labor unions and progressive organizations.

Steve Poizner

Steve Poizner is an independent candidate who previously served as California’s insurance commissioner from 2007 to 2011. He is a former technology entrepreneur who has also worked in the government and education sectors.

If elected, he has promised to focus on reducing insurance fraud and to ensure that insurance companies are providing affordable coverage to all Californians. He has also pledged to work to protect the environment and to promote renewable energy.

During his previous tenure as insurance commissioner, he implemented a number of reforms, including cracking down on fraud and improving transparency in the insurance industry. He has received endorsements from a number of law enforcement organizations and business groups.

Asif Mahmood

Asif Mahmood is a Democratic candidate who is a physician and businessman. He has worked in the healthcare industry for many years and has also been involved in a number of philanthropic organizations.

If elected, he would focus on making healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Californians. He has also pledged to work to protect consumers from unfair insurance practices and to promote renewable energy.

He has received endorsements from a number of healthcare organizations and medical professionals.

FAQ

What is the role of the insurance commissioner?

The insurance commissioner is responsible for regulating the insurance industry in California. This includes enforcing laws and regulations, protecting consumers, and overseeing the market for insurance products.

What are some of the key issues facing the insurance industry in California?

Some of the key issues facing the insurance industry in California include rising healthcare costs, the threat to protections for pre-existing conditions, insurance fraud, and the need for more affordable coverage options.

What are the candidates’ positions on healthcare?

All three candidates have expressed support for making healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Californians. Ricardo Lara has pledged to prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage or raising rates based on pre-existing conditions. Steve Poizner has promised to focus on reducing insurance fraud and ensuring that insurance companies are providing affordable coverage. Asif Mahmood has also focused on making healthcare more affordable and has emphasized his experience as a physician.

What are the candidates’ positions on renewable energy?

All three candidates have expressed support for promoting renewable energy and protecting the environment. Ricardo Lara has been a strong advocate for renewable energy and has worked to protect the environment. Steve Poizner has pledged to promote renewable energy and protect the environment. Asif Mahmood has also emphasized the need to transition to renewable energy sources.

When is the election for insurance commissioner?

The election for insurance commissioner will be held on November 6, 2018, in conjunction with the other state and national elections.