Patricia Kuderer
2025 - Present
2029
0
Patricia Kuderer (Democratic Party) is the Washington Commissioner of Insurance. She assumed office on January 15, 2025. Her current term ends on January 10, 2029.
Kuderer (Democratic Party) is running for re-election for Washington Commissioner of Insurance. She declared candidacy for the 2028 election.
Kuderer also ran for re-election to the Washington State Senate to represent District 48. She will not appear on the ballot for the general election on November 3, 2026.
Kuderer resigned from the Washington State Senate District 48 on January 7, 2025, eight days prior to her swearing-in as Washington Commissioner of Insurance.[1]
Biography
Patricia Kuderer lives in Bellevue, Washington. Kuderer earned a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law. Her career experience includes working as an attorney. Kuderer has been affiliated with the following organizations:[2]
- Anti-Defamation League Seattle
- Sacred Heart Social Concerns
- Congregations for the Homeless
- The Peace Alliance
- NARAL Pro-Choice Washington
- Virtue’s Children Nepal
- Chrysalis Domestic Violence Center
- Minnesota International Health Volunteers
Elections
2028
See also: Washington Insurance Commissioner election, 2028
General election
The general election will occur on November 7, 2028.
General election for Washington Commissioner of Insurance
Incumbent Patricia Kuderer is running in the general election for Washington Commissioner of Insurance on November 7, 2028.
Candidate | ||
 | Patricia Kuderer (D) | |
| ||||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2026
See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2026
There are no official candidates yet for this election.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Patricia Kuderer (D)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2024
See also: Washington Insurance Commissioner election, 2024
General election
General election for Washington Commissioner of Insurance
Patricia Kuderer defeated Phil Fortunato in the general election for Washington Commissioner of Insurance on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patricia Kuderer (D) | 56.6 | 2,091,969 |
 | Phil Fortunato (R) | 43.3 | 1,598,032 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 4,430 | ||
| Total votes: 3,694,431 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Washington Commissioner of Insurance
The following candidates ran in the primary for Washington Commissioner of Insurance on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patricia Kuderer (D) | 45.2 | 845,148 |
| ✔ | | Phil Fortunato (R) | 28.5 | 533,560 |
 | Justin Murta (R) | 10.1 | 189,582 | |
 | John Pestinger (D) | 5.6 | 103,986 | |
 | Jonathan Hendrix (No party preference) | 3.7 | 68,961 | |
 | Bill Boyd (D) | 3.1 | 57,387 | |
| Chris Chung (D) | 2.9 | 54,469 | ||
 | Tim Verzal (No party preference) | 0.8 | 15,742 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 1,738 | ||
| Total votes: 1,870,573 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Khristopher Greene (No party preference)
Campaign finance
Endorsements
2022
See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2022
General election
General election for Washington State Senate District 48
Incumbent Patricia Kuderer defeated Michelle Darnell in the general election for Washington State Senate District 48 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patricia Kuderer (D) | 70.6 | 33,208 |
 | Michelle Darnell (R) | 29.3 | 13,795 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 50 | ||
| Total votes: 47,053 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Washington State Senate District 48
Incumbent Patricia Kuderer and Michelle Darnell advanced from the primary for Washington State Senate District 48 on August 2, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patricia Kuderer (D) | 71.4 | 19,389 |
| ✔ | | Michelle Darnell (R) | 28.4 | 7,717 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 54 | ||
| Total votes: 27,160 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2018
See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2018
General election
General election for Washington State Senate District 48
Incumbent Patricia Kuderer defeated Rodney Tom in the general election for Washington State Senate District 48 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patricia Kuderer (D) | 65.0 | 33,533 |
 | Rodney Tom (D) | 35.0 | 18,027 | |
| Total votes: 51,560 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Washington State Senate District 48
Incumbent Patricia Kuderer and Rodney Tom defeated Bill Hirt in the primary for Washington State Senate District 48 on August 7, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patricia Kuderer (D) | 60.1 | 18,698 |
| ✔ | | Rodney Tom (D) | 29.5 | 9,175 |
 | Bill Hirt (Independent) | 10.4 | 3,251 | |
| Total votes: 31,124 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2017
A special election for the position of Washington State Senate District 48 was called for November 7, 2017. A primary election took place on August 1, 2017. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 19, 2017.[3]
The seat was vacated by Cyrus Habib (D) after he was elected to the position of Lieutenant Governor of Washington. Patricia Kuderer (D) was appointed to fill the vacancy until the November election.
Incumbent Patricia Kuderer (D) and Michelle Darnell (L) defeated Richard Knierim (Ind. Dem.) in the top-two primary.[4] Kuderer defeated Darnell in the November 7 general election.
| Washington State Senate, District 48, Special Election, 2017 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic |  Patricia Kuderer |
68.9% | 21,212 | |
| Libertarian | Michelle Darnell | 31.1% | 9,553 | |
| Total Votes | 30,765 | |||
| Source: Washington Secretary of State | ||||
2016
Elections for the Washington House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election was held on August 2, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was May 20, 2016.
Incumbent Patricia Kuderer defeated Michelle Darnell in the Washington House of Representatives, District 48-Position 1 general election.[5]
| Washington House of Representatives, District 48-Position 1 General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Patricia Kuderer Incumbent |
70.12% | 39,472 | |
| Libertarian | Michelle Darnell | 29.88% | 16,824 | |
| Total Votes | 56,296 | |||
| Source: Washington Secretary of State | ||||
Incumbent Patricia Kuderer and Michelle Darnell were unopposed in the Washington House of Representatives District 48-Position 1 top two primary.[6][7]
| Washington House of Representatives, District 48-Position 1 Top Two Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Democratic | Patricia Kuderer Incumbent | |
| Libertarian | Michelle Darnell | |
| Source: Washington Secretary of State | ||
Endorsements
In 2016, Kuderer's endorsements included the following:[8]
- Congressman Adam Smith, 9th CD
- Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, 1st CD
- Attorney General Bob Ferguson
- Bellevue Mayor John Stokes
- Bellevue City Councilor Vandana Slatter
- Medina City Councilor Sheree Wen
- King County Executive Dow Constantine
- King County Councilor Claudia Balducci
- Sen. Sharon Nelson, 34th LD and Senate Democratic Leader
- Sen. Cyrus Habib, 48th LD
Campaign themes
2028
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Patricia Kuderer has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2028 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Patricia Kuderer asking her to fill out the survey. If you are Patricia Kuderer, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2028 Candidate Connection survey.
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You can ask Patricia Kuderer to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing [email protected].
2026
Patricia Kuderer did not complete Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
2024
Patricia Kuderer did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign website
Kuderer’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Universal Healthcare The Office of the Insurance Commissioner has a seat on the legislatively established Universal Health Care Commission (UHCC) and as Insurance Commissioner, I will be actively engaged in the work to develop and implement short term, mid-term and long term strategies to move Washington to a single-payer, universal health care system, including: Research-Backed Policy Development: I will work with the UHCC to conduct comprehensive research on various healthcare models, drawing upon successful approaches both domestically and internationally. This research will inform the development of a robust and tailored universal healthcare system that meets the unique needs of Washington residents. Legislation and Advocacy: I will work closely with state legislators to draft and advocate for legislation that establishes a universal healthcare system in Washington. This legislation will prioritize equitable access to healthcare services, sustainable funding mechanisms, and strong consumer protections. Stakeholder Collaboration: Implementing universal healthcare requires collaboration with the Legislature and a diverse array of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, insurers, advocacy groups, and community organizations. I am committed to fostering partnerships and engaging in meaningful dialogue to ensure the successful implementation of this transformative healthcare system. Equity and Access: I am dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all Washingtonians, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, or geographic location. My administration will prioritize initiatives that promote health equity and eliminate barriers to care. Oversight and Accountability: Once universal healthcare is implemented, I will maintain vigilant oversight to ensure the system operates efficiently, effectively, and in the best interest of Washington residents. I am committed to accountability and will regularly evaluate the system's performance to identify areas for improvement. By prioritizing these key areas, I am confident that we can successfully implement universal healthcare in Washington and create a healthcare system that works for everyone. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for our state.
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the US Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision, 14 states have implemented a total abortion ban, including our neighbor, Idaho. While in the Legislature, I championed bills that strengthened the right to an abortion, contraception and other reproductive health services, and that protect doctors and patients who live or travel here from overreach by states where abortion is illegal, all of which passed in our post-Dobbs reproductive justice package. I also sponsored legislation to codify reproductive rights in our state constitution. It is up to the Insurance Commissioner’s Office to ensure these laws are fully and fairly implemented, and that health insurance plans do not restrict or limit a patient’s access to this care. As Insurance Commissioner, I will do just that, and will continue to defend access to quality reproductive care by working with other state insurance commissioners to make abortion a federal right - which it was for over 50 years under Roe v. Wade. The right to choose is one of the most important issues in dispute this election, and one that I will unconditionally defend.
Each year hundreds of Americans die from accidental shootings, and even more are seriously injured. Unsafely stored firearms increase the risk of unintentional firearm injuries and deaths. Rarely are the victims of these unintentional shootings compensated, because the person who negligence caused the injury does not have firearm insurance. We need to change that here in Washington, and while in the legislature, I championed gun safety laws including a bill proposing gun owners carry liability insurance. As Insurance Commissioner, I will support agency-request legislation to require gun owner liability insurance to provide financial compensation for victims of unintentional shootings. Insurance companies could incentivize responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to demonstrate their knowledge of gun safety and secure storage practices. This insurance will provide an additional layer of accountability for gun owners, similar to our state’s requirement that drivers have auto insurance and most importantly, provide some financial support to victims of accidental shootings and help reduce the number of accidental shootings and deaths.
The effects of climate change are undeniable. From more frequent wildfires to more intense storms we are seeing the real world impacts of climate change today, and they are already having a tremendous economic impact on our state. We need to better prepare and ensure that there are appropriate insurance protections for our state’s businesses and homes. As Insurance Commissioner, I will build on the work already being done to address climate change and related insurance issues like increasing premiums and non-renewal notices. This necessarily includes working with insurers on risk mitigation strategies for homeowners and businesses, ensuring consumers are aware of steps they can take to reduce their risk. It also includes exploring options for risk-sharing and partnership with the state’s public insurance program to provide coverage for homes and businesses based on risk assessment. Finally, I will review the state’s regulatory framework to ensure the property insurance products sold in our state are fair, affordable and accessible to all Washingtonians. The financial stakes that come with climate change are high, but by working with all stakeholders to reduce the risk of climate change, we can help build economic resilience and minimize the economic impacts of climate change in our state.
The cost of auto insurance continues to rise, making it difficult for an increasing number of drivers to afford auto insurance coverage required by our State. This in turn, leads to more accidents involving uninsured drivers, and that leads to higher auto insurance pricing overall. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that the more high-tech a vehicle is, the more it costs to repair even minor damage. As Insurance Commissioner, I will review premium increases to ensure they are actuarially sound. Additionally, there must be more transparency in the auto insurance industry around their pricing formulas and factors used to determine premiums. This helps consumers better understand how their premiums are set and will allow them to make more informed decisions about which policies to purchase. It would also encourage competition among the auto insurance companies. It’s also important for drivers to do all they can to lower their premiums. I will work to make programs that encourage risk reduction, like driver’s training and accident prevention programs, accessible to everyone. In addition, insurers could partner with the auto industry by creating discounts for vehicles with advanced safety features. Finally, as Insurance Commissioner, I will work with other state agencies to address the high rates of uninsured drivers and rising medical costs that impact auto insurance rates.
The United States has the most complicated and costly healthcare system in the world, and it is often confusing to navigate. One minute your doctor is in your network, the next they are not. This is also true for prescription medicine as drug formularies continually change, meaning you may be required to change your medicine even though what you are on is working for you. And we also know that while Charity Care is the law, it’s not always followed. So what does this mean for consumers? It can mean bankruptcy. Unpaid medical bills are the number one reason for bankruptcy in the United States. While we have the Washington Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA), one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country, it does not currently apply to health insurance companies or denial of most medical claims. While there are consumer protections in Washington’s Patients Bill of Rights as well as federal legislation, the reality is the process is complicated, confusing and challenging for most people to use. An improperly denied medical claim occurs too often in Washington, and I know firsthand what that feels like - it is frightening, maddening, and overwhelming, all at the same time. As Insurance Commissioner, I will work to simplify the appeals process to make it easier for consumers to engage and understand, and will provide information about ways the Insurance Commissioner’s Office may be of assistance when a medical claim is denied.
During my time in the Legislature, I championed legislation to support our firefighters, recognizing the risks they face and the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe. One significant achievement has been the passage of a law that establishes a presumption of occupational-relatedness for certain cancers developed by firefighters. However, there are still challenges ahead, particularly regarding insurance coverage for screening tests crucial in detecting these cancers early. Despite the proven effectiveness of these tests in saving lives and reducing healthcare costs in the long run, insurance companies resist covering them. As your State Insurance Commissioner, I will prioritize advocating for mandatory coverage of these tests by health plans, ensuring that our firefighters have access to the preventive care they deserve without financial barriers. [9] |
” |
| —Patricia Kuderer’s campaign website (2024)[10] | ||
2022
Patricia Kuderer did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
State legislative tenure
Sponsored legislation
Committee assignments
Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: [email protected].
2023-2024
Kuderer was assigned to the following committees:
- Housing Committee, Chair
- Law & Justice Committee
- Senate Rules Committee
- State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee
- Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee
2021-2022
Kuderer was assigned to the following committees:
- Law & Justice Committee
- Senate Rules Committee
- Housing & Local Government Committee, Chair
- State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee, Vice chair
- Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee
2019-2020
Kuderer was assigned to the following committees:
- Law & Justice Committee
- Senate Rules Committee
- State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee, Vice Chair
- Housing Stability and Affordability Committee, Chair
2017 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:
| Washington committee assignments, 2017 |
|---|
| • Financial Institutions & Insurance |
| • Health Care |
| • State Government |
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
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Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Washington scorecards, email suggestions to [email protected].
2024
In 2024, the Washington State Legislature was in session from January 8 to March 7.
- Legislators are scored based on their votes on legislation supported by the organization.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to the state’s business community.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to home building industry issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on how they voted on firearm policies.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues.
- Legislators are scored on whether they voted for or against WSLC's position.
2023
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show]. |
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In 2023, the Washington State Legislature was in session from January 9 to April 23.
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2022
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show]. |
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In 2022, the Washington State Legislature was in session from January 10 to March 10.
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2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Washington State Legislature was in session from January 11 to April 25.
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2020
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show]. |
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In 2020, the Washington State Legislature was in session from January 13 to March 12.
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2019
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show]. |
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In 2019, the Washington State Legislature was in session from January 14 through April 28.
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2018
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show]. |
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In 2018, the Washington State Legislature, second session, was in session from January 8 through March 8.
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2017
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show]. |
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In 2017, the Washington State Legislature, first session, was in session from January 9 through April 23. There were also special sessions. The first special session was April 24 through May 23. The second special session was May 23 through June 21. The third special session was June 21 through July 20.
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2016
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show]. |
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In 2016, the 64th Washington State Legislature, second session, was in session from January 11 through March 10. The legislature held a special session from March 11 to March 29 to pass a supplemental budget.
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2015
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show]. |
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In 2015, the 64th Washington State Legislature, first session, was in session from January 12 through April 24. The legislature was in special session from April 29 to May 28, May 29 to June 27 and June 28 to July 10.[11]
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See also
2028 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Washington Commissioner of Insurance |
Officeholder Washington Commissioner of Insurance |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Washington State Standard, "Three WA Senate Democrats are leaving their jobs. Here’s what happens next," November 22, 2024
- ↑ Patty Kuderer for Washington State Insurance Commissioner, "About Patty," accessed July 22, 2024
- ↑ Governing.com, "Senate control up for grabs in 3 states' special elections," February 15, 2017
- ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "August 1, 2017 Primary Results," accessed August 1, 2017
- ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "General Election Results 2016," accessed December 2, 2016
- ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "2016 Candidates Who Have Filed," accessed May 23, 2016
- ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "August 2, 2016 Primary Results," accessed August 25, 2016
- ↑ Patricia Kuderer, "Endorsements," accessed October 4, 2016
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Patricia Kuderer for Washington State Insurance Commissioner, “Issues,” accessed July 23, 2024
- ↑ Multi State, "2015 State Legislative Session Dates," accessed July 13, 2015
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Mike Kreidler (D) |
Washington Commissioner of Insurance 2025-Present |
Succeeded by - |
| Preceded by - |
Washington State Senate District 48 2017-2025 |
Succeeded by Vandana Slatter (D) |
| Preceded by - |
Washington House of Representatives District 48-Position 1 2015-2017 |
Succeeded by - |
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