The California insurance commissioner has been an elected executive office position in California since 1991. Prior to that time, the insurance commissioner was appointed by the governor. The officeholder is in charge of the California Department of Insurance.
The current insurance commissioner is Democrat Ricardo Lara.
Duties Oversees and directs all functions of the Department of Insurance. Licenses, regulates, and examines insurance companies. Answers public questions and complaints regarding the insurance industry. Enforces the laws of the California Insurance Code and adopts regulations to implement the laws. The mission is to ensure vibrant markets where insurers keep their promises and the health and economic security of individuals, families, and businesses are protected.
Office As a result of the passage of Proposition 103 in 1988, the elected office of the California Insurance Commissioner was created in 1991. Previously, the position was held by a person appointed by the Governor. The Insurance Commissioner oversees the Department of Insurance.
The Insurance Commissioner does not oversee the majority of Health Plans and Health Insurance. HMO Health Plans and PPO Plans offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California are overseen by the California Department of Managed Health Care.
Name Term PartyJohn Garamendi January 7, 1991 – January 2, 1995 DemocraticChuck Quackenbush January 2, 1995 – July 10, 2000 RepublicanJ. Clark Kelso July 10, 2000 – September 17, 2000 RepublicanHarry W. Low September 18, 2000 – January 6, 2003 DemocraticJohn Garamendi January 6, 2003 – January 8, 2007 DemocraticSteve Poizner January 8, 2007 – January 3, 2011 RepublicanDave Jones January 3, 2011–January 7, 2019DemocraticRicardo LaraJanuary 7, 2019–presentDemocratic
Elections
1990 California Insurance Commissioner election 1994 California Insurance Commissioner election 1998 California Insurance Commissioner election 2002 California Insurance Commissioner election 2006 California Insurance Commissioner election 2010 California Insurance Commissioner election 2014 California Insurance Commissioner election 2018 California Insurance Commissioner election 2022 California Insurance Commissioner election 2026 California Insurance Commissioner election
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