Allen Brings Strong Consumer Protection Credentials for a Department in Desperate Need of a Pro-Consumer Leader

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 15, 2026

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Consumer Federation of California today announced that after interviewing the top 6 candidates for California Insurance Commissioner it has chosen to endorse State Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) prior to the upcoming June 2nd primary election.

“After CFC’s endorsement committee interviewed all six top candidates for California Insurance Commissioner it became obvious that the best choice for the office is State Senator Ben Allen,” said CFC Executive Director Robert Herrell. “Senator Allen has a strong record of working on consumer protection issues, a passion about public service and the wherewithal to understand how to appropriately lead the California Department of Insurance, a challenging job even without our current insurance challenges. California deserves an Insurance Commissioner that is truly committed to actual consumer protection.”

Along with the endorsement of Senator Allen, CFC noted that it was impressed by the passion exhibited by IC candidate Merritt Farren, who has been personally impacted by the 2025 fires in the Los Angeles basin. CFC also noted that whoever the next Insurance Commissioner will be, they should be working collaboratively with consumer organizations such as CFC, as opposed to largely ignoring or being hostile towards consumer voices, as California’s current Insurance Commissioner has sadly done.

The Consumer Federation of California is a nonprofit advocacy organization that, since 1960, has been a powerful voice for consumer rights. CFC campaigns for laws and regulations that place consumer protection ahead of corporate profit, either in front of the California Legislature or before state agencies in support of consumer regulations.

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Tags: 2026, California State Elections, Endorsements, Insurance Commissioner