The 2026 California Insurance Commissioner election will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect the Insurance Commissioner of California. Under California’s nonpartisan blanket primary law, all candidates appear on the same ballot and the top two finishers, regardless of party, will advance to the general election in November, even if a candidate managed to receive a majority of the votes cast in the primary election.
Incumbent Democratic Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is term-limited and ineligible to run for re-election to a third term. The role was previously seen as largely ceremonial in nature, however wildfires in 2017, 2018, and 2025 have increased the position’s importance and scrutiny.
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER QUALIFICATIONS
June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election.
Every candidate shall: A. Be a registered voter and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time that nomination papers are issued to the person. § 2011 B. Not have been convicted of a felony involving accepting or giving, or offering to give, any bribe, the embezzlement of public money, extortion or theft of public money, perjury, or conspiracy to commit any of those crimes. § 20 C. During tenure of office, not be an officer, agent, or employee of an insurer or directly or indirectly interested in any insurer or licensee under the California Insurance Code, except (1) as a policyholder, or (2) by virtue of relationship by blood or marriage to any person interested in any insurer or licensee. Ins. Code § 12901 D. Not have served two four-year terms in the office sought. Ins. Code § 12900(a)
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