In a notable development for California politics, two Democrats have moved forward after Tuesday’s primary to compete for the role of overseeing the state’s insurance industry. Among them is a candidate backed by progressive U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders.
Jane Kim, who spearheads the progressive California Working Families Party, and State Senator Ben Allen are set to face off in the November general election. This clash comes amid a critical period for California, as widespread wildfires have exacerbated the ongoing insurance crisis.
Kim, with a background as a San Francisco supervisor, also served as the political director for Bernie Sanders during his 2020 presidential campaign. Sanders’ endorsement was pivotal in her rise from a crowded field of 11 contenders, securing her the leading spot with 26.8% of the votes tallied, as reported by the Associated Press with 83% of votes counted.
In a campaign ad, Sanders emphasized the need for candidates who challenge political and economic norms, advocating for policies like Medicare for All, asserting that Kim embodies these principles.
Meanwhile, Allen, who has been active in crafting legislation to aid fire victims, currently holds 19.6% of the vote.
The nearest Republican contender was insurance specialist Stacy Korsgaden, who garnered close to 16% of the votes.
The California wildfires last year in Los Angeles have amplified the importance of the insurance commissioner. Some fire victims struggling to get claims resolved have called for current Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s resignation.
Insurance, as a result, has also been a subject of scrutiny in the governor’s race. Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra caught some attention for promising to cap homeowners’ insurance premiums, which some experts said a governor cannot do.
“I will call in the insurance commissioner,” said Becerra, a former state attorney general. “I will say, ‘I am going to call for a freeze. If you don’t want to go there, then I will call for an investigation of the way you are conducting your business.’”
While Becerra has insisted he would have the ability to do so, California voters passed Proposition 103, a landmark law that sought to protect consumers from arbitrary rate hikes by requiring insurers to get the approval from the state insurance commissioner before raising rates.
At a forum, Allen agreed that the governor does not have the authority. Kim didn’t say yes or no but noted it would be an “interesting case study.”
