Interview: Former Sen. Steven Bradford Explains Why He’s Running for Insurance Commissioner — Not Lieutenant Governor

June 18, 2025

Former California Senator Steven Bradford has shifted his political focus from running for Lieutenant Governor to campaigning for State Insurance Commissioner amid California's growing insurance crisis. Bradford, who previously served on the Senate Insurance Committee, enters the race as major insurers like State Farm and Allstate are leaving California, citing high costs and overregulation. This exodus has forced more homeowners to rely on the state's FAIR Plan safety net program, which is currently facing financial strain.

Who is affected

California homeowners, particularly those in high-risk fire zones
Residents facing high insurance rates across California
Insurance companies operating in California
The Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan and its enrollees
Black Californians and others who historically faced insurance discrimination
The state's insurance market and regulatory system

What action is being taken

Bradford is launching a campaign for State Insurance Commissioner
Bradford is positioning himself as a reform-minded candidate focused on restoring stability to California's insurance market
The FAIR Plan is currently serving as the safety net for homeowners who cannot find fire insurance elsewhere
Some legislation is being considered to allow the FAIR Plan to bond and raise funds to address its current billion-dollar shortage
Bradford is continuing to advocate for the 115 recommendations made by the Reparations Task Force

Why it matters

Major insurers are leaving California or reducing coverage, creating instability in the insurance market
California has the highest insurance rates in the country, making coverage unaffordable for many residents
The state's FAIR Plan is under financial strain, currently about a billion dollars short
The insurance crisis particularly impacts homeowners in high-risk fire zones who cannot obtain coverage through private insurers
There are historical connections between insurance access and racial inequity that continue to affect Black Californians

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint