Veteran legislator pivots to one of California’s most challenging statewide posts amid insurance market turmoil
Steven Bradford, a longtime Democratic lawmaker and community advocate from Gardena, is officially exiting the race for California lieutenant governor to launch a campaign for state insurance commissioner — a shift that reshapes the down-ballot landscape in a critical election year.
Bradford, who previously served in both chambers of the California Legislature for more than 14 years, said his decision was driven by the urgent need to restore stability and equity to the state’s embattled insurance marketplace. Citing the growing impact of climate disasters, including Los Angeles-area wildfires, and the exodus of major insurance providers from the state, Bradford positioned himself as a leader ready to confront one of California’s most pressing consumer crises.
“It’s critical that California establishes a stable marketplace that can attract and maintain a business environment so that insurance companies can compete here,” Bradford said in a statement. “At the same time, we need to ensure that consumers are not priced out — that they get the coverage they need, that it’s fair, equitable, and adequately covers their needs.”
The pivot opens up the field in the lieutenant governor’s race, where Bradford had launched his campaign in April 2024. His departure leaves Treasurer Fiona Ma, Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, and former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs among the leading Democratic contenders — though the dynamics could change dramatically if former Vice President Kamala Harris enters the governor’s race, triggering more shuffling down the ballot.
While the insurance commissioner race is less crowded, it is far from low profile. The office, currently held by term-limited Ricardo Lara, is under heightened scrutiny as wildfires and floods intensify across the state, driving insurers to pull out and leaving homeowners scrambling for coverage. Bradford could potentially face Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire, who has left open the possibility of jumping into the race.
Bradford brings deep legislative experience to the campaign. He served as chair of multiple committees in both the Senate and Assembly — including Energy, Utilities and Commerce, Public Safety, Banking, and Labor — and was an active member of the Insurance Committee. He was also a vocal leader on criminal justice reform and environmental equity, gaining national attention for his work.
A former chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, Bradford was one of two legislators appointed to California’s first-in-the-nation reparations task force and is currently a leading voice behind reparations bills in the state Capitol. His leadership has been guided by a lifelong commitment to social justice, shaped by his upbringing in a working-class family — a mother who worked as a nurse and a father who ran a small business.
Bradford also credits his entry into public service to the influence of California’s first Black lieutenant governor, Mervyn Dymally, who mentored him during his time at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
This campaign marks Bradford’s first statewide bid outside his legislative district. Though he starts with a respectable war chest, he faces the steep challenge of reaching California’s more than 20 million registered voters.