Insurance Commissioner | 4-year term
Patty Kuderer
(Prefers Democratic Party)
Elected Experience
- State Senator, 2017-present
- State Representative, 2015-2016
- Chair, Housing Committee 2019-present
- Former Vice Chair, State Government & Elections 2018-2022
- Former member of Healthcare - Labor & Commerce - Business, Financial Institutions & Insurance Committees.
Other Professional Experience
- Trial attorney for 35+ years; former prosecutor and city attorney; significant experience handling insurance claims, employment discrimination, and serious injury cases.
Education
- BA, University of Minnesota
- JD, William Mitchell College of Law.
- Awarded the “Golden Acorn” for volunteer service with Chinook Middle School PTSA.
- Volunteered with kids’ schools, Sacred Heart Social Concerns, Congregations for the Homeless, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Virtue’s Children Nepal, and Chrysalis Domestic Violence Center.
Statement
Ever since my daughter was born critically ill in the NICU and I had to fight my insurance company to allow her doctors to provide life-saving care, I have made it my life’s mission to ensure no family ever has to go through that same trauma. With my experience as a litigator representing workers in employment discrimination cases and my strong background in advocacy and public service, I bring a unique set of qualifications to the role of Insurance Commissioner.
As Insurance Commissioner, I’ll work tirelessly to enact policies that prioritize consumer protection and lowering costs, promote transparency within the insurance industry, and expand access to essential healthcare services for all Washingtonians.
I have spent my life helping the powerless stand up to those with the most power, and I respectfully ask for your vote so I can fight for you too.
Phil Fortunato
(Prefers Republican Party)
Elected Experience
- 31st District State Senator since 2017
- 31st District State Representative elected 2016
- 47th District State Representative 1998-2000
Other Professional Experience
- Environmental training and consulting.
- International trade in Europe and Asia.
- Owner of small contracting business.
- Founding Director and first President of the PNW Erosion Control Association.
Education
- Rutgers University, Cook College of Agriculture; Landscape Architecture.
- I’ve been married for 45 years, have 5 children, 3 of whom are decorated U.S. Marines Corps veterans.
- Knights of Columbus member - 4th Degree, Project Rachel, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Sons & Daughters of Italy, Liberian Association of WA.
Statement
I’m running to make Washington’s insurance market more affordable for families and seniors. Misguided activist policies of the Legislature and the Insurance Commissioner have limited choice and made insurance unaffordable.
How much businesses pay for insurance has a direct impact on the prices you pay for things, including groceries and even your rent. Add to that a 20% increase in insurance costs, and it’s even harder for seniors on fixed incomes and families to make ends meet.
As Insurance Commissioner, I’ll work to lower costs, provide predictability and availability in Washington’s insurance markets, so you can get the insurance protection your family deserves.