Welcome back to State of Emergency! I’m Jesse Nichols, a video producer and reporter at Grist. Today, we’re diving into the overlooked but critical race for insurance commissioner, which is gaining prominence due to worsening climate impacts. In a recent presidential debate, VP Kamala Harris highlighted the importance of home insurance in the face of extreme weather events. Former California insurance commissioner Dave Jones emphasized that voters often overlook this position until faced with high premiums or denials.
The rise in natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes has thrown home insurance markets into chaos, resulting in a significant increase in premiums. This election season, insurance commissioners are under scrutiny for their role in regulating the industry and approving rate hikes. Natasha Marcus, a democratic candidate in North Carolina, has drawn attention by challenging the incumbent after a controversial rate-hike proposal.
Candidates like Marcus are advocating for transparency in rate-setting processes and pushing for resilience measures to mitigate climate risks. The insurance crisis is reshaping elections across the country, as voters become more aware of how climate change impacts their wallets. To dive deeper into this story, click here.
For more on how extreme weather is shaping voter priorities and the economic ripple effects of hurricanes, check out the articles linked below. Stay informed on the latest climate news and how it’s influencing elections around the world.
