Q&A With Steven Bradford: Why He Wants Your Vote for California Insurance Commissioner

May 13, 2026

Steven Bradford, a California state legislator with over two decades of public service experience, is running for Insurance Commissioner in the upcoming June primary election. Bradford switched his campaign focus from lieutenant governor to insurance commissioner because he believes insurance affordability and availability have become critical issues affecting housing, employment, and business operations across California. He emphasizes his extensive governmental experience and commitment to treating the position as a career role rather than a stepping stone to higher office.

Who is affected

Low-income communities and people of color (historically impacted by insurance disparities)
California homebuyers and homeowners (unable to purchase homes without insurance)
California drivers (legally required to have auto insurance for work commutes)
Business owners (require insurance to operate)
Residents of Altadena and the Palisades (discovered they were underinsured after recent events)
People enrolled in the FAIR Plan (inadequate insurance coverage option)
Communities affected by ZIP code and income-based insurance discrimination
Minority voters (concerned about Voting Rights Act implications)

What action is being taken

Bradford is campaigning across California for the insurance commissioner position
The Insurance Commissioner's office is currently reviewing rate increases and decreases (though the process takes over 300 days)
Insurance companies are operating under current regulatory oversight, including licensing of agents and brokers

Why it matters

This race is significant because California has the third-largest insurance market in the world, and insurance affordability directly impacts critical quality-of-life issues including housing access, employment mobility, and business viability. The insurance crisis disproportionately affects marginalized communities through discriminatory practices rooted in ZIP code and income-based disparities, with the FAIR Plan system having origins in discrimination. Rising insurance costs and market instability are creating broader accessibility concerns that extend beyond traditionally underserved populations to affect all Californians, making regulatory oversight and reform increasingly urgent.

What's next

The June primary election will determine candidates advancing in the insurance commissioner race
Bradford plans to modernize the Department of Insurance if elected
Bradford intends to improve transparency in insurance policy coverage
Bradford aims to streamline the rate approval process (currently taking over 300 days)
Bradford plans to create a more competitive and equitable insurance market with genuine consumer choices

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