“Cohen is the Democrat incumbent. Morgan is the Republican. Morgan argues that the Controller needs use its audit power to require every state and local agency to report each expenditure of disbursed state funds on a block chain ledger, so everyone can see it. He cites to Cal DOGE to claim massive fraud. While it is tempting to agree that fraud must be investigated and give a Republican a chance, Cal DOGE has suspect methodology (makes assumptions without evidence that seem politically motivated), Morgan/Cal DOGE's beef seem to disagree with legislative choices rather than fraud, Cohen has overseen Controller audits, and a state-wide block chain to supplement state and local agency reporting likely would be quite expensive (unless it did reveal a lot of fraud!). I'm sticking with Cohen--while agreeing that fraud allegations should be investigated. ”

“Insurance Commissioner is a tough job. Voters want less expensive, available insurance. Insurance companies need to cover their payouts, plus a reasonable profit--and climate-change fueled wildfires in a very expensive construction State result in expensive claims. The Commissioner can reject rate increases, but insurance companies can leave CA, forcing consumers on the State's FAIR plan. So, it's a balance. All candidates logically think better fire mitigation would reduce claims and thus rates, but the Insurance Commissioner is mainly a cheerleader for the Legislature and other agencies on that point. On the whole, Bradford seems to have the most experience (CA Assembly Insurance Committee), the most detailed plans, and understanding of the balance required. https://capitolweekly.net/meet-the-insurance-commissioner-candidates-steven-bradfor/. Careful review of rate increase requests based on facts, deregulating commercial policies as their policyholders can manage risk, issuing bonds to backstop the FAIR plan while seeking to create a more competitive marketplace, and more transparency on climate risk pricing. Kim wants the government to run a "Disaster Insurance for All" program and a public option for auto insurance. I prefer a regulated private market. Wolff (Dem), Howell (GOP), Farren (GOP), Korsgaden (GOP) and Lee (GOP) lack relevant experience or tout gimmicks: Lee (AI to find fraud); Korsgaden (environmental regulation causes catastrophes, need fuels reduction, i.e., cut down forests); Farren (encourage new insurance products, i.e., less coverage). Ben Allen (Dem), CA State Senator, is likely OK, but is driven by Palisades Fire destroying his home and lacks detailed plans other than using the Insurance Comm office to push wildfire mitigation. My vote is for Bradford. ”

“Shirley N. Weber is the current Secretary of State. She has done a good job at the basic roles required of a Secretary of State—elections and business filings. Donald Wagner is the Republican candidate. Per his website, https://wagnerforcalifornia.com/?p=463, he wants Voter ID and other voting restrictions including limitations on mail in ballots, only counting mailed ballots that arrive by Election Day, must register to vote at least 7 days before the election, and a ban on third party collection of ballots for delivery (e.g., no more helping seniors in a retirement facility deliver their ballots to a drop box). This is the standard GOP pitch that election integrity cannot be trusted and the only solution is to restrict voting. Numerous studies have found no evidence of such problems. Shirley has my vote.”

“Buffy is my Assembly member. She has been and is focused on laws addressing affordable housing, related land use reform, digital safety & privacy, social media protections, clean energy, and workers rights. In short, a diligent and productive legislator focused on Californians. She has my vote.”