United States: 14 New Insurance Commissioners Since Nov. 2, 2010; 11 More Expected in 2011

As of January 25, 2011, 14 new Insurance Commissioners took office since Election Day 2010. Up to 11 additional new Insurance Commissioners are expected in 2011.

More new Insurance Commissioners will take office following the recent elections than in the last election/appointment cycle.  For instance, a total of 23 are anticipated in 2011.  Colorado and Connecticut have new Acting Commissioners since November 2, 2010, but these appointments may change again in 2011.  Eleven new Commissioners took office at some point in 2009 and 23 in 2007.  The average term of office for an Insurance Commissioner (whether elected, appointed and confirmed, or interim/acting) is approximately 3 years and 5 months since 1980, according to an analysis of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Proceedings Summer 2010 Commissioner Tenure List data.

State Insurance Commissioners will have significant input with respect to the implementation of the federal health reform law and other public policy issues during 2011.  Changes in the chief insurance regulator positions in a state likely will impact that state's ability to comply with upcoming federal deadlines.

The 14 new Insurance Commissioners since Election Day 2010 include:

A comprehensive list of the 50 State Insurance Commissioners can be viewed here. The 11 other possible new Insurance Commissioners anticipated in 2011 are from the states noted in red type.

Only 11 states elect their Insurance Commissioner, and only four of these states had elections in 2010 (California, Georgia, Kansas, and Oklahoma).  Kansas retained its incumbent, Sandy Praeger, who ran unopposed in the general election. Each of the other three states voted in new Commissioners.

Of the 11 other states where a newly appointed Insurance Commissioner is anticipated, residents in only one of those 11 states reelected an incumbent Governor (Texas).  Yet, a change will likely occur, because Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin already announced his resignation effective February 1, 2011.  Ten of those 11 states have a new Governor (CO, CT, FL, MI, NM, NV, NY, OR, SD, and WY), so changes may be coming. Of those 10 states, three Governors of a different party than their predecessor were sworn into office (MI, NM, WY).

Because so many new Governors began their term in office in January 2011, the above list will likely change in the coming weeks.  It may also take some time for each Governor to decide whether to retain the incumbent Insurance Commissioner.  While it is more likely a new Governor of a different political party than his/her immediate predecessor will make changes, some incumbent Insurance Commissioners may retain their positions.  Moreover, even in those states where no change in Governor has taken place, a new Commissioner may be appointed if the Governor decides to shake up his/her cabinet or an Insurance Commissioner resigns.

In addition, Insurance Commissioners from Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are also members of the NAIC.  Some of these Commissioners may change as well.

Upon request, we can provide additional details with respect to the elected Insurance Commissioners in any state.  SNR Denton will also continue to provide updates on Insurance Commissioner changes in 2011.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.