Lara announced that he will be running for the position next year on the heels of a state health care system proposal.
Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) announced his intention to run for California insurance commissioner in 2018. This, only one month after submitting a proposal for a single-payer state health care system.
This makes Lara one of four Democrats who have filed the documents necessary to start fundraising.
These papers make it possible for possible California insurance commissioner candidates to begin fundraising for their campaigns. Lara’s announcement came with the statement that strong leadership is vitally needed throughout the time that President Trump is working to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
“I’m running to be California’s next state insurance commissioner because I believe at my core that California needs a strong defender, and a counterpuncher, who will stand up to fight our bullying President, Donald Trump, and his increasingly reckless federal government on issues from healthcare access to economic security and more,” said Lara.
Lara’s intention to become California insurance commissioner hasn’t come as much of a surprise.
The senator has been very passionate about the industry, particularly when it comes to health care coverage. In February, he proposed a single-payer California health care system. Moreover, he also gained approval for legislation offering health insurance coverage to undocumented kids residing in the state. Furthermore, he has worked to ensure that adult immigrants willing to pay for their coverage should be able to purchase it.
Senator Lara served two years in the Assembly before 2012, when he won election to the California Senate. He has also served as the California Latino Legislative Caucus chairperson and is the California Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus vice chairperson.
Other candidates for California insurance commissioner who have filed their own fundraising documents include former Democratic Assembly members Henry Perea and Susan Bonilla, as well as radiation oncologist Paul Song who once led the Courage Campaign progressive group. They are seeking to fill the position that is currently held by Dave Jones, who was elected in 2010 and who was reelected to a second term in 2014.