OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE HONORABLE DANIEL H. SOHN — "I WILL NOT ENTER RACE FOR CALIFORNIA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER"

Over the last several weeks, I have been humbled by the number of elected & appointed leaders, community partners, colleagues and friends who have encouraged me to consider a campaign for California Insurance Commissioner.

I don’t take that confidence lightly.

It reflects the work we have done together in economic development, equity, civic engagement, and community-building across California and beyond.

After thoughtful reflection, conversations with my family, and deep consideration of the moment our state is in, I have decided not to enter the race.

This is not a decision made from fear or lack of willingness to serve. It is a recognition that the role of Insurance Commissioner demands a singular focus—one that requires stepping away from the work I am deeply committed to right now.

I am leading organizations, coalitions, and community initiatives that are making a real difference on the ground, and I believe my highest and best service at this moment is to continue strengthening those efforts.

Instead, I have several projects I’ve been privileged to be working on with other fabulous and talented people—initiatives that I believe will have a meaningful impact locally, regionally, and statewide.

I look forward to sharing these exciting announcements soon.

But I also want to be clear about something else: California needs an Insurance Commissioner who can communicate—openly, honestly, and effectively—with the people of this state.

Our insurance crisis is not just a regulatory challenge; it is a communication crisis. Homeowners, renters, small businesses, and entire communities feel unheard, confused, and left behind as premiums climb, insurers leave, and climate-driven risk reshapes our state. Californians deserve a leader who can take complex policy, translate it into plain language, and bring people together around realistic, humane solutions.

The next Commissioner must be someone who:

• Speaks with clarity — not in legal terms, but in human terms.

• Builds coalitions across consumers, insurers, legislators, and wildfire and climate leaders.

• Centers people, not politics or industry pressure.

• Restores trust by explaining not just what decisions are made, but why they are made.

• Communicates with empathy, especially to those who are losing their homes, their coverage, or their sense of security.

• Bridges communities — including those too often left out of statewide policy conversations.

California deserves a Commissioner who understands that transparency is power, and that the role is as much about rebuilding confidence as it is about overseeing regulation.

I will continue doing what I’ve always done: bringing people together, advocating for communities that are overlooked, advancing economic opportunity, and amplifying the voices of those who are not usually invited into the conversation.

I remain committed to serving California—just not as a candidate for this office and at this time.

To everyone who reached out, encouraged me, or believed in what I could bring to this role: thank you. Your confidence means more to me than you know.

I look forward to supporting and uplifting leaders who step forward with integrity and a commitment to communication, clarity, and community.

California is strongest when we lead together.