Jane Kim declares victory in CA insurance commissioner race, vows wildfire insurance overhaul

POLITICS Jane Kim declares victory in CA insurance commissioner race, vows wildfire insurance overhaul Former San Francisco supervisor campaigned on insurance program separating wildfire coverage from traditional homeowners insurance The former San Francisco supervisor campaigned on creating a first-in-the-nation state-run disaster insurance program that would separate wildfire coverage from traditional homeowners insurance policies and place it into a nonprofit public fund. By Tara Campbell Sunday, November 8, 2026 1:31AM Share Follow ABC7 on Google SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Amidst a roar of cheering support, Jane Kim declared victory Friday in California's race for insurance commissioner, promising sweeping changes to a system she says has failed homeowners facing soaring premiums and shrinking coverage options. "We are here to say no more. We are going to make insurance work for us again," Kim told supporters. The former San Francisco supervisor campaigned on creating a first-in-the-nation state-run disaster insurance program that would separate wildfire coverage from traditional homeowners insurance policies and place it into a nonprofit public fund. "We are going to take on this three-trillion-dollar industry because they have been profiting for way too long by raising our premiums, canceling our coverage and fighting our claims," Kim said. Under her proposal, all California homeowners would have access to wildfire coverage through a publicly administered fund. Kim argues the model would prioritize policyholders over corporate profits. "The idea is that every current homeowner would be covered, and it would be a nonprofit fund where premiums don't have to go to CEO pay, shareholders and Super Bowl ads," she said. Kim's victory comes after years of controversy surrounding outgoing Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. ABC7 Eyewitness News has previously reported on scrutiny over Lara's relationships with insurance industry executives and political donors as consumers across the state grappled with rising insurance costs and insurers retreating from high-risk wildfire areas. Among those celebrating Kim's apparent win were wildfire survivors such as Amy Robinson, whose family lost its home in Napa County's Glass Fire in 2020. "My community could only afford to rebuild three of the 10 homes that we lost," Robinson said. "We have the double whammy now of extremely high building costs and insurance that gets devalued as you're fighting the fight." Child dies in fiery crash near Apple's headquarters in Cupertino; man arrested, authorities say SFPD executes search warrant at $4M Sea Cliff house at the center of alleged squatting activity Defense attacks credibility of key witness Mario Juarez in trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao 2 hours ago While Kim's proposals would likely require significant coordination with lawmakers and stakeholders, she expressed confidence that meaningful changes could happen quickly. "This office is not a dictatorship," Kim said. "We're going to have to work with community leaders across the state to make our big ideas possible." Still, she predicted progress could come within her first year in office. "I really believe we're going to have some wins in our first year because there is a lot of work that can be done to make insurance more affordable, more available and more fair." Kim is expected to take office at a pivotal moment for California's insurance market, as homeowners statewide continue to confront mounting wildfire risks and an industry in retreat. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics POLITICS SAN FRANCISCO INSURANCE CONSUMER HOMEOWNERS CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS ELECTION DAY ELECTION RESULTS ELECTIONS MIDTERM ELECTIONS SAN FRANCISCO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Live Streams ON NOW Child dies in fiery crash near Apple's headquarters in Cupertino $4M SF home raided in squatting investigation Defense attacks credibility of key witness in Sheng Thao trial 2 hours ago Aiyuk arrives at 49ers' headquarters; future remains uncertain Becerra pledges focus on affordability but offers few policy specifics FL Learjet co-pilot's dad defends daughter's reputation after crash 18-year-old arrested in deadly Moss Landing State Beach shooting $11.4M shipment of Nvidia cargo stolen from Oakland