The race: Georgia Insurance Commissioner
Party affiliation: Democrat
The lane:
DeAndre Mathis is a consumer-focused insurance reform candidate rather than a traditional politician. He is nestled in the populist wing of the party.
The basics:
Mathis served in the United States Navy and worked in the insurance industry for 21 years.
Why he’s running:
Mathis argues that the Insurance Commissioner’s office should be more aggressive in protecting policyholders and scrutinizing insurance companies. He also believes the insurance commissioner must advocate for consumers rather than merely an overseer of the insurance marketplace.
What’s working:
Simplicity. Mathis’s central proposal is eliminating the use of credit scores while reducing reliance on ZIP codes when setting premiums. His message is resonating among Black voters concerned about discriminatory pricing, middle-class suburban homeowners facing premium increases, and business owners concerned about commercial insurance rates.
The challenge:
The lack of statewide name recognition and experience in elected office.
What to watch:
Mathis’s experience and consumer advocacy could overcome a campaign veteran in Keisha Waites.
