The insurance commissioner is a state-level position in all 50 states. The duties of the position vary from state to state, but their general role is as a consumer protection advocate and insurance regulator. The position is elected in 11 states and appointed in 39.
Insurance regulation is one of the older state government functions, with most states having insurance departments dating back to the late 19th century. Generally speaking, their role has not changed much since then.[1]
HIGHLIGHTS
Elected in 11 states; appointed in 39
In the 39 appointed states, 37 are appointed by the Governor and two states (New Mexico and Virginia), appoint via a multi-member commission
Salary range (in 2023): $222,804 (Oregon) to $86,003 (Kansas)
Although insurance commissioners are appointed in the majority of states, 11 states hold partisan elections for the office. Of the 39 states in which the insurance commissioner is appointed, 37 give the power of appointment to the governor; in New Mexico and Virginia, the insurance commissioner is appointed by a commission.
The office of insurance commissioner is nonpartisan in 38 states. The 12 states in which the position is partisan include the 11 states where the insurance commissioner is elected, as well as Ohio. Of the 12 states where the insurance commissioner has a partisan affiliation, the office is held by a Democrat in 3 and a Republican in 8.
According to compensation figures for 2023 compiled by the Council of State Governments in the Book of the States, the largest salary for an insurance commissioner was $222,804 in Oregon, while the lowest was $86,003 in Kansas. To view the compensation of a specific insurance commissioner, hover your mouse cursor over the state.
Two states were holding scheduled elections for insurance commissioner in 2015: Louisiana and Mississippi. Incumbents Mike Chaney (R) of Mississippi and James Donelon (R) of Louisiana were re-elected.
In all five states, incumbents won re-election on November 6, 2012. A special note, with respect to Montana, the insurance commissioner is also the state auditor.
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