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Here are the insurance commissioner candidates up for election in five states

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Delaware, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Washington’s insurance commissioners are up for election Nov. 5. 

They are five of 11 states that elect the position. The other six states — California, Kansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia —are not up for reelection this year. The governors appoint the position in the other 39 states with the exception of New Mexico and Virginia, which are appointed by a commission. 

Delaware 

Incumbent Trinidad Navarro, a Democrat, is running against Republican Ralph Taylor for insurance commissioner in Delaware, according to Ballotpedia. 

Navarro has held the position since Jan. 3, 2017. He previously won elections for the four-year term in 2020 and 2016, according to his campaign website. It also says he was elected New Castle County Sheriff in 2014 and 2010. 

The commissioner is a member of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and was elected by his peers to chair the Northeast Zone, his website says. 

“Navarro works to ensure affordable and accessible coverage for residents while holding insurance companies accountable,” the website says. “While in office, he has led hundreds of pro-consumer investigations and implemented policies to better the lives of Delawareans.” 

The website says Navarro has chaired the National Anti-Fraud Task Force that works to protect families and seniors from fraud while working with authorities to stop scammers. 

Navarro also serves as Chair of the NAIC Producer Licensing Task Force (PLTF) which is working on a proposed Public Adjusters Licensing Model Act. Amendments were approved by the Working Group in July to exclude collision repairers after concerns were shared by NAIC consumer liaison Erica Eversman and Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. The changes avoided prohibitions on collision repair businesses being able to represent the consumer on matters they may not otherwise be well-equipped to represent themselves on. The model act now has to be approved by the PLTF. Navarro said in August he aims to have the model act approved by the end of the year.

It also says Navarro has “cracked down” on discriminatory insurance practices that increase premiums for property and auto insurance. 

“As Insurance Commissioner, my number one priority is protecting Delaware insurance consumers,” Navarro says on the website. “I will make sure the insurance companies obey Delaware law and honor their policies. I will stand up for the residents of our state, not the big insurance companies.” 

Taylor previously served as a Dover city councilman from 2019 to 2023, according to Delaware online. He also worked as a police officer for Dover from 1990 to 2010. The article also says he is president of the Delaware Pest Control Association and is co-owner of pest control business, The Bug Guy. 

A campaign website for Taylor does not specifically mention auto insurance. However, it does speak about providing support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. 

“Our economy is the backbone of our nation,” the campaign webpage says. “It provides the opportunities for our families to thrive and our children to dream big. But we must ensure that this growth is inclusive and sustainable.

“We will invest in education because an educated populace is the foundation of a prosperous society. We will support our entrepreneurs and small businesses, the true innovators and job creators of our economy. We will embrace new technologies and green energy solutions, paving the way for a future that is not only prosperous but also environmentally sustainable.”

Montana 

Democrat John Repke and Republican James Brown are running for the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, State Auditor, according to Ballotpedia

Current Commissioner Troy Downing has held the position since Jan. 4, 2021. The Republican is not rerunning for the position but is running for the U.S. House to represent Montana’s 2nd Congressional District, according to Ballotpedia. 

Repke’s campaign page says he has a bachelor’s in finance from Ohio State University and a master’s in business administration with a focus in finance from the University of Denver. 

His LinkedIn page says he previously was the chief financial officer for SmartLam North America from 2018 to 2021. He was also the chief financial officer for Veolia Environmental Services North America Corp. from 2012 to 2013. The website says he worked at The Havi Group for 11 years in different positions including vice president of finance along with vice president and chief financial officer of global logistics. 

“The insurance market in our state is changing — and not for the better,” Repke’s campaign page says. “Montanans seeking insurance are having an increasingly tough time obtaining insurance or avoiding cancellation. And when they can get insurance, they are seeing skyrocketing rates in all areas — health, auto, home.

“But insurance isn’t a luxury. You can’t drive to work without auto insurance, you can’t buy a house without home insurance (and if you rent, you’re paying your landlord’s home insurance in your monthly rent bill), and you’re at risk of bad health outcomes — or even bankruptcy — if you lack adequate health insurance. The bottom line: insurance is necessary but it’s increasingly harder to get and it keeps getting more expensive.” 

Repke says on his page that he supports public policies that benefit the Montana insurance consumer. 

“During my 40-year business career, I helped manage organizations with complex financial matters. I know how to make sure Montanans are getting a fair deal, and I know how to spot financial fraud,” Repke says on the website. 

Brown’s campaign website says he received a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Montana Missoula, a law degree from the Seattle University School of Law, and a master’s degree in tax law from the University of Washington. 

While in college, Brown worked as a congressional aide to Montana U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns, his website says.  

Brown’s LinkedIn page says he has owned James Brown Law Office since 2012. He previously worked as an associate attorney for Doney Law Firm from 2007 to 2012. 

The website also says he is currently the Montana Public Service Commission chairman. Ballotpedia says he was elected to this position in 2021. 

“As a fourth-generation Montanan and a private practice attorney for the last 18 years, I’ve proudly fought to protect Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and small businesses,” Brown’s website says. “You can count on me to reduce red tape for Montana businesses, enforce the law, protect consumers, and safeguard Montana seniors from financial abuse. As your state auditor, I will vigilantly serve as your government watchdog, prosecute bad actors, and defend our Montana way of life.” 

Brown does not specifically mention auto insurance on his campaign webpage. He does address holding an insurance producer’s license. 

“Though I hold a Montana insurance producer’s license, unlike some previous candidates for this important office, I am not an insurance industry insider,” Brown says on the website.” I have spent my entire career defending the interests of consumers and investors and will continue to do so in this key position. I have zero tolerance for those who violate the law or attempt to financially abuse seniors and other vulnerable groups. As someone who runs a small business, I will also work to create a regulatory environment that is fair to entities willing to provide much-needed insurance coverage to Montana citizens.” 

Montana Free Press reports that the state agency has a $10 million budget and a 72-employee payroll. The article touches on many campaign issues for the two candidates but does not dive into auto insurance. 

North Carolina 

Incumbent Mike Causey, a Republican, and Democrat Natasha Marcus are running for North Carolina Insurance Commissioner. 

Causey was elected as insurance commissioner in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, according to his campaign website. His education includes a bachelor’s and a master’s in business administration from High Point University. He also received an executive management certificate from Purdue University. 

The website says he worked in the insurance industry as an agent, manager, supervisor and agency owner for about 30 years and is an Army veteran. 

“It’s my constitutional duty to stand up to the insurance industry and hold them accountable and to champion transparency to protect our consumers,” Causey says on his website. “That’s why I have rejected every single rate hike proposed for your homeowner’s insurance — forcing the insurance companies to negotiate and provide the lowest and best rates possible for North Carolina homeowners.”

Causey says on his website that he more than tripled the number of criminal investigators with statewide jurisdiction to over 50 officers while in office. He also hired four attorneys appointed to work with the state district attorneys in prosecuting fraud cases. 

“When I was elected, I pledged to cut red tape and bureaucracy — to make the Department of Insurance more accountable and more responsive to the needs of our citizens,” Causey says. “We’ve done that and will continue to do so because the taxpayers deserve it. I’ve also worked diligently to support a free and fair marketplace. These actions have made the NC DOI better and I’d be proud to keep fighting for you as your commissioner.”

The website doesn’t specifically mention auto insurance. 

Causey answered a questionnaire for The News & Observer that can be read here

Marcus’ campaign website does not clearly define her background. 

According to Ballotpedia, she has served with the North Carolina State Senate representing District 41 since 2019. She earned a bachelor’s in public policy from Hamilton College and her juris doctor from Duke University School of Law. It says she previously worked as a lawyer for Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey and Leanard. She also worked as a judicial clerk for the Hon. Frank W. Bullock Jr. of the U.S. District Court in Greensboro. 

“The job of NC Commissioner of Insurance is to look out for everyone in North Carolina who needs insurance — to ensure rates are fair, coverage is as-advertised, and valid claims are paid. We need a new Commissioner of Insurance who will do the job right, advocating for the people’s best interests and forcing insurance companies to justify their rates at public hearings. I’ll be that new leader and I ask for your support this year,” Marcus says on her website. 

Marcus lists the “End of Excessive Rate Hikes” as her No. 1 priority. She lists the below steps she will take:

    • “Require insurance companies to justify their rate increase requests with evidence, under oath, subject to cross examination in public hearings.
    • “Reject unjustified rate hikes and keep rates from rising one penny more than necessary to maintain a vibrant marketplace of affordable insurance options for North Carolinians.
    • “Balance reasonable profits for insurance companies with fair rates for North Carolinians to foster a vibrant marketplace.
    • “Enhance accountability by utilizing the actuaries and other expert staff at the Department of Insurance to analyze insurance company profits and hold rates low for consumers.
    • “Recruit additional insurance companies to offer policies in our state; drive down costs through market competition.
    • “Work with local fire departments to bolster fire safety readiness, improve ISO ratings, invest grant funds, and lower home insurance prices.
    • “Provide accessible information about rate changes to the public.
    • “Avoid conflicts of interest by refusing campaign contributions from the very insurance companies that the Commissioner is supposed to be regulating.”

Marcus also lists closing loopholes that let insurance companies overcharge as another priority. 

“The ‘Consent to Rate’ (CTR) loophole allows insurance companies to charge policyholders up to 250% over the maximum rate,” Marcus’ website says. “While intended to be used only in rare cases, insurance companies have used CTR so much in the past ten years that it now affects almost half of homeowners in North Carolina and an unknown number of auto policyholders, leading to significantly higher premiums.” 

The website says Marcus authored SB882, which would create an Insurance Consumer Protection Study to investigate and protect consumers from CTR overuse. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Regulations where it has sat since May. 

Marcus answered a questionnaire from The News & Observer that can be read here

Carolina’s Collision Association (CCA) President Kyle Bradshaw sent a letter to members urging each to vote in the upcoming Insurance Commissioner election. 

“As we approach the upcoming election, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of your participation and support, particularly regarding the race for North Carolina’s Insurance Commissioner,” the letter says. “While the role of the Insurance Commissioner may not seem directly linked to collision repair, the impact of this position on our industry cannot be overstated.” 

Bradshaw goes on to describe how Causey has worked with the industry in the past. 

“Commissioner Mike Causey has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the collision repair community,” the letter says. “His involvement predates his tenure as Insurance Commissioner, and his support has been invaluable to our association. Most notably, his participation in the Collision Industry Conference in Richmond last year showcased his dedication to ensuring that our voices are heard and that we, along with our customers, are treated fairly in our dealings with third parties.

Now more than ever, it is crucial that we rally behind leaders who understand our challenges and are dedicated to advocating for our industry. By supporting Commissioner Causey, we can continue to foster an environment that prioritizes safe and correct collision repairs for our consumers, ultimately ensuring the future success of independent collision repair professionals in both North and South Carolina.” 

A debate between Causey and Marcus covered by The News & Observer can be read here.

North Dakota

Incumbent Jon Godfread, a Republican, is running unopposed for the position of North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance. 

Godfread’s campaign website says he was first elected to the office in 2016. It says he earned a law degree and master’s of business administration from the University of North Dakota. He previously worked as a legislative intern for North Dakota in the House Finance and Tax Committee and worked full time as a legislative aid in the State Tax Department. From 2005 to 2007 he worked as a branch manager and personal banker for Alerus Financial in Grand Forks. 

“The most vital job I can fulfill in this role is to ensure the consumers of North Dakota are properly protected with and educated about the insurance they purchase,” Godfread says on his website. “You can continue to count on me to guarantee our insurance companies are solvent and able to pay claims when they are called upon, without pricing consumers out of the market.” 

Washington 

Democrat Patricia Kuderer and Republican Phil Fortunato are running for Washington Commissioner of Insurance. 

Current Commissioner Mike Kreidler, a Democrat, first took office in 2001 and is not running for re-election. 

Kuderer was elected to the Washington State Senate to represent District 48 in 2017 and presently holds the office. She previously was elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 2015. According to her campaign website, she earned a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law. 

“The most vital job I can fulfill in this role is to ensure the consumers of North Dakota are properly protected with and educated about the insurance they purchase,” Kuderer says on the website.  You can continue to count on me to guarantee our insurance companies are solvent and able to pay claims when they are called upon, without pricing consumers out of the market.” 

Kuderer lists lowering the cost of auto insurance as a main issue important to her campaign. 

“As Insurance Commissioner, I will review premium increases to ensure they are actuarially sound,” the website says. “Additionally, there must be more transparency in the auto insurance industry around their pricing formulas and factors used to determine premiums. This helps consumers better understand how their premiums are set and will allow them to make more informed decisions about which policies to purchase. It would also encourage competition among the auto insurance companies.” 

The website also says Kuderer will work to make programs that encourage risk reduction, such as driver’s training and accident prevention programs, available to everyone. 

“In addition, insurers could partner with the auto industry by creating discounts for vehicles with advanced safety features,” Kuderer says. “Finally, as Insurance Commissioner, I will work with other state agencies to address the high rates of uninsured drivers and rising medical costs that impact auto insurance rates.” 

According to Fortunato’s campaign website, he currently serves as senator of the 31st District. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and appointed to the Senate before being sworn in. He was re-elected in 2022. He previously served as a state representative for the 47th District from 1998 to 2000. He has started multiple businesses including his current business Eco-3, an erosion and stormwater management company. He also is president and founding director of the Northwest Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association. 

“The Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is unique among all the elected state offices, in that the OIC has rulemaking authority over what insurance policies must contain,” Fortunato says on the website. “This has a tremendous impact on your insurance rates by forcing them to cover, in health insurance, for example, procedures that you may not want.” 

He adds that he believes the office is not a policy office but a consumer protection office regarding rates and coverage. 

Fortunato mentions his views on car insurance and uninsured motorists on his website. 

“As insurance rates skyrocket, fewer people are opting to buy car insurance pushing your uninsured motorist insurance rates higher and higher,” the website says. “In Washington, you are required to show insurance to buy a car. You are not required to have insurance to register your car. We need to look at strengthening insurance requirements and penalties for uninsured motorists.” 

The website also says Fortunato believes in speeding up the process for insurance rate approvals, which he says will increase the number of companies competing for business and lower prices. 

“California has lost more insurance companies than any other state,” Fortunato says. “One reason for that is the time it takes to get a rate increase approved. Other states like Idaho approve rates in 30 days and have seen smaller rate increases based on inflationary costs, cars and homes cost more to replace or repair for example.” 

In a Seattle Times article, both candidates laid out their thoughts on the issue more in-depth. 

Kuderer said she would like to simplify appeals processes when claims are denied. She also plans to advocate for legislation that requires insurance contracts to be in plain language so that consumers can know what they are signing up for, according to the article. 

Fortunato says he will use a process called “file and use” to allow insurance companies to start using a rate increase immediately after filing, the article says. He said the insurance department can then retroactively grant approval. This could mean the department finds that insurance company increased rates unnecessarily and will require the company to refund consumers. 

“Both candidates noted that auto insurance prices have increased drastically in the past few years, due to the costs of cars and repairs,” the article says. “Each candidate also called out the high number of uninsured drivers, which they said have increased premiums for those who do have insurance. But they differed on how they would manage rates.” 

The article says Fortunato said he wouldn’t push for lowering rates. 

“This inflationary cycle is killing everybody,” he said in the article. “What are you going to do, tell insurance companies they can’t increase rates?”

Fortunato said he sees consumer protection as holding the companies to the policies they sell, the article says. 

Kuderer, on the other hand, told the newspaper she will push for legislation to look at whether insurance companies should be allowed to raise premiums twice a year on six-month policies. 

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Photo courtesy of adamkaz/iStock

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