Navarro, Weldin Stewart in Democratic Insurance Commissioner race
Incumbent Karen Weldin Stewart has held the position since 2008, and is seeking her third term in office.
The winner of this primary will face the winner of the Republican primary of Jeff Cragg and George Parish in the Tuesday, Nov. 8, general election.
• Trinidad Navarro •
Age: 46
Education: associate degree, Delaware Technical Community College; bachelor’s degree, Wilmington University;
Occupation: Sheriff, New Castle County
Residence: Bear
Family: Wife Melissa, son Jordan and daughters Kylie and Hannah
Relevant experience: I was born and raised in Delaware. I have been in public service with the County Police Department and Sheriff’s Office for over 25 years. My entire adult career has been dedicated to helping those who couldn’t help themselves. Prior to becoming a police officer, I followed in my father’s footsteps and was a licensed insurance agent for two years. Throughout my career, I took pride in helping people during the most difficult times of their lives. Whether it was assisting families with insurance claims or helping a victim of a crime, I’ve always been an advocate for Delaware’s citizens. I have stood up to the big banks on foreclosure cases and returned money to those who’ve lost everything. I have also cut costs, fees and found significant savings for Delawareans. I want to bring my experience and public service expertise to serving Delaware insurance consumers. It is my goal to be a strong advocate for Delawareans.
Why should Cape Region Democrats vote for you? Health insurance rates in Delaware are skyrocketing, crippling consumers and the economy. After ushering through the acquisition of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware by Highmark of Pittsburgh, the current commissioner has allowed a 100 percent increase over her tenure. Delaware’s auto insurance rates are among the highest in the nation, and workers’ compensation insurance has increased 60 percent, the most of any state in the nation over the past five years. I will say no to these outrageous rate increases and be a true advocate for Delaware’s consumers. I will seek solutions that have been working in other states to keep rates in check. I will aggressively investigate insurance fraud and prosecute offenders. I have a track record for standing up for consumers and challenging corporate bullies.
• Karen Weldin Stewart •
Age: 67
Education: Claymont High School, Brandywine College, designated Certified Insurance Receiver – Multi Lines
Occupation: Insurance Commissioner, Delaware
Residence: Wilmington
Family: Brother, Karl D. Weldin
Relevant experience: Left blank
Why should Cape Region Democrats vote for you? I am the candidate with experience, and my campaign is based on my accomplishments. Protecting policyholders has always been my highest priority. I have championed the interests of consumers for over 25 years. I began by serving in the Delaware Department of Insurance as a deputy receiver, and since 2009 I have served as commissioner for two terms during difficult times, including a major recession and the launching of the Affordable Care Act. During my tenure, I have ordered insurance companies to pay more than $12 million directly to policyholders who have made complaints to the DOI, while transferring $451 million in premium taxes and fees to the state’s general fund to benefit all Delawareans.
