Barton: Insurance Commissioner race matters more than most realize

Oklahoma’s Insurance Commissioner Matters More Than Most Realize

June 8th, by Brian Barton

During part of Marty Quinn’s time in the Oklahoma Senate, I worked in and around the Oklahoma Legislature and had the opportunity to observe his work firsthand. These are my personal observations about a man I respect.

Politics often focuses on speeches, advertisements, and campaign promises. My perspective is a little different. I had the opportunity to watch Marty work, interact with people, and serve in public office. What stood out to me wasn’t one particular moment. It was the consistency.

Whether working with constituents, fellow lawmakers, agency officials, or community leaders, Marty developed a reputation for being prepared, thoughtful, and willing to do the work required to solve problems. In my experience, consistency is one of the most underrated qualities in public service.

For those reasons, I believe Marty Quinn is the right person for the job.

While many Oklahomans are focused on legislative races, the Governor’s race, and other high-profile campaigns, one statewide race that deserves far more public attention than it is currently receiving is the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner race.

Most people do not think much about the office until something goes wrong. A storm hits. A roof is damaged. A claim is delayed. Rates increase. Suddenly, the voter’s choice of Insurance Commissioner matters a great deal.

Oklahoma voters should also recognize something unique about this office. Oklahoma’s Constitution specifically provides for voters to elect the Insurance Commissioner directly. In most states, the position is appointed instead. Only 11 states allow voters to directly choose who will oversee the insurance industry and protect consumers. Oklahoma is one of them.

That means this race is not just another name on the ballot. It is a unique opportunity for citizens to directly shape how insurance oversight, consumer protection, and accountability are handled in our state.

This office affects homeowner, health and auto insurance, business coverage, fraud enforcement, and consumer protection across Oklahoma. It requires more than campaign promises. It requires experience, understanding of the legislative process, and a serious grasp of how insurance impacts working families and businesses.

Marty Quinn stands out in this race.

I had the opportunity to work alongside Marty Quinn during our time at the Oklahoma State Senate, where he served as a Senator while I worked for another member. My support comes from seeing firsthand how he approached public service, policy discussions, and the responsibilities of government.

Marty brings both legislative experience and direct insurance industry experience to the table. He understands how laws are written, how regulations are applied, and how the Insurance Commissioner must balance consumer protection, market stability, and company accountability.

One point that especially stood out to me in visiting with him was the importance of making sure insurance companies can actually pay what they owe when disaster strikes.

Insurance policies are promises backed by contracts. Those promises only matter if companies have the financial strength to fulfill them when storms hit, homes are damaged, or families need help the most. Cheap coverage means very little if a company cannot properly pay claims when Oklahomans need them.

Marty also emphasized something many citizens may not realize: Oklahomans can contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department for help when they face claim disputes, fraud concerns, or bad-faith practices.

As citizens, Oklahomans deserve accountability, transparency, and a place to turn when insurance disputes arise. The Insurance Commissioner’s office plays an important role in helping consumers navigate problems when the process is not being handled fairly or appropriately.

Another issue deserving greater attention is fraud and abuse surrounding storm damage and roofing claims. Legitimate contractors should be protected, but bad actors who exploit homeowners or manipulate claims hurt consumers and drive costs higher for everyone.

Marty also made a strong point that when complaints involving roofing contractors come into the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s consumer assistance division, he would work with the appropriate state agency, the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, which regulates roofing contractors in Oklahoma.

At a time when insurance costs are rising and Oklahoma families are feeling pressure from every direction, this race deserves serious public attention.

As Oklahoma approaches the upcoming Republican primary election, voters should pay close attention to a race that often receives far less attention than it deserves.

The Insurance Commissioner may not generate the headlines of some other statewide offices, but its impact reaches nearly every home, business, farm, church, and community in Oklahoma. That alone should make this race worth watching closely.

Oklahoma is one of 11 states that elect its Insurance Commissioner directly rather than appointing the position.

[Blogger's note: I absolutely concur with this, and likewise encourage Republicans to vote for Marty Quinn in the Insurance Commissioner primary.]