Six Candidates Vie to Become California's Next Insurance Commissioner

Candidates discussed Prop 103, public insurance models, and their qualifications at a recent forum in San Francisco.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Six candidates for California's next insurance commissioner attended a forum in San Francisco on Friday night, discussing key issues facing the state's insurance landscape. The candidates expressed support for Proposition 103, a 1988 ballot measure that requires insurance companies to have rate increases approved by the Department of Insurance. However, they differed on whether a public homeowner insurance system should be created to cover natural disaster claims. The candidates also highlighted their varied backgrounds, with some touting political experience and others emphasizing their insurance industry expertise.

Why it matters

The insurance commissioner role is one of the most influential in California politics, overseeing an industry that has faced significant challenges in recent years. With companies restricting policy sales, the state's backup homeowner provider seeing increased demand, and the fallout from devastating wildfires, the next commissioner will play a critical part in addressing these issues and protecting consumers.

The details

The six candidates who attended the forum were Ben Allen, Steven Bradford, Merritt Farren, Jane Kim, Lalo Vargas, and Patrick Wolff. They discussed a range of topics, including their support for Proposition 103, differing views on creating a public homeowner insurance system, and how their backgrounds qualify them for the role.

  • The primary election will be held on June 2, 2026.
  • The forum took place on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Ben Allen

A Democratic state senator from Santa Monica who said Proposition 103 'has done an incredible job of keeping rates low and protecting consumers.'

Steven Bradford

A Democratic former state senator from the Los Angeles area who said Prop 103 has worked but needs updates to speed up the rate review process.

Merritt Farren

A Republican attorney who was challenging a State Farm rate increase before becoming a candidate, and said he would require companies to provide more information upfront to speed up the rate review process.

Jane Kim

A Democratic former San Francisco Supervisor who said she wants to use Prop 103 to rein in company profits and CEO pay to keep protecting consumers.

Lalo Vargas

A Peace and Freedom Party candidate and science teacher in Southern California who advocated for abolishing insurance companies and creating a public insurer to cover both homeowner and auto policies.

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What they’re saying

“We should protect Prop. 103.”

— Lalo Vargas, Candidate (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Prop 103 has done an incredible job of keeping rates low and protecting consumers.”

— Ben Allen, Candidate (San Francisco Chronicle)

“In the current 'profit-driven insurance model,' companies keep policies on the homes at less risk of wildfires, but raise premiums and don't renew coverage for everyone else.”

— Jane Kim, Candidate (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The top two vote-getters in the June 2 primary election will advance to the November general election, where voters will select California's next insurance commissioner.

The takeaway

The race for California's next insurance commissioner highlights the complex challenges facing the industry, from balancing consumer protections with company profitability to addressing the impacts of natural disasters. Voters will have a range of perspectives to consider as they choose the candidate they believe is best equipped to lead the Department of Insurance.