Santa Monica Sen. Ben Allen Picks Up Major Endorsement In Insurance Race

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica State Sen. Ben Allen has received the endorsement of the San Francisco Chronicle editorial board in California's race for insurance commissioner, with the newspaper calling him the candidate best equipped to help guide the state's troubled insurance market.

In an editorial published Saturday, the Chronicle urged voters to support Allen over fellow Democrat Jane Kim in November's statewide election, describing the longtime legislator as "a thoughtful legislator who takes the time to understand all sides of an issue."

The editorial said California needs an insurance commissioner capable of balancing consumer protections with the long-term stability of an insurance market that has struggled in recent years as insurers reduced coverage or stopped writing new policies in parts of the state.

Allen has represented Santa Monica and surrounding communities in the California State Senate since 2014 after previously serving on the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education. A graduate of Santa Monica High School, he is seeking to succeed termed-out Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.

The Chronicle pointed to Allen's legislative record on insurance issues, including measures aimed at improving insurance claim payments, encouraging wildfire risk-reduction efforts and helping homeowners retain coverage after completing insurer-requested property improvements.

The endorsement follows the California Democratic Party Executive Board's decision over the weekend to back Allen in the statewide race. His campaign also announced endorsements from the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, adding to support from several statewide organizations and elected officials.

Responding to the Chronicle's endorsement, Allen told Patch he was encouraged the editorial board had recognized what he described as the clear differences between the candidates.

"I'm really pleased that the Chronicle saw the stark differences in this race and the expertise and track record I bring fighting for consumers and pushing for a better, more affordable insurance system," he said, adding, "This is an incredibly consequential job and it requires someone with a grounded plan who's ready to get to work on day one."

Allen and Kim advanced to the November general election after finishing as the top two candidates in California's June primary, marking the first general election for California insurance commissioner to feature two Democrats.

The Chronicle concluded its endorsement by saying California's insurance crisis will require "competent, careful work" to rebuild a functional market, adding that Allen "deserves your vote."