Delaware Elects Navarro as Insurance Commissioner

Delaware has elected New Castle County Sheriff, Trinidad Navarro, as its next insurance commissioner. Navarro won the race against Republican Jeff Cragg and is set to succeed Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart.

“For too long, Delaware insurance consumers have not had a voice,” Navarro said in a statement published on his campaign website. “The insurance industry has bought control of the office. Rates have skyrocketed and competition has dwindled. That’s about to stop.”

Navarro initially announced his candidacy for Delaware Insurance Commissioner in June of last year, winning the Democratic nomination against incumbent Karen Weldin Stewart in the Democratic primary in September of this year. In the November 8 election, the State of Delaware Department of Elections reported a total of 246,427 votes for Navarro, giving him a 59.28 percent lead against Cragg.

“I congratulate Trini on his victory, and I wish him well,” Commissioner Stewart said in an emailed statement to Insurance Journal.

Commissioner Stewart was elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2012 as the 25th insurance commissioner in Delaware history.

In his first 100 days, Navarro has promised to perform a full review of the Delaware Department of Insurance’s policies in order to maximize efficiency and streamline procedures, according to his website, which outlines his plan to focus on ending gender and age discrimination as well as lowering workers’ compensation rates in the state. He also outlines on his website his aim to increase competition in the marketplace and improve consumer service and accessibility.

“I sought the office of Insurance Commissioner because I believe there must be a greater focus on the needs of the insured,” Navarro told Insurance Journal in an email. “I will direct the efforts of the Department on controlling rate increases, assuring that claims are timely paid and increasing choices in all lines. I look forward to working with consumers, insurance companies and producers to help me achieve my goals in a way that considers all interests while benefiting the people of Delaware.”