California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Lavish Travel Amid Insurance crisis
SACRAMENTO, CA – California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is under fire for extensive luxury travel undertaken while the state’s insurance market faced instability and residents grappled with soaring premiums and wildfire losses. Reports from the Los Angeles Times, ABC7, and The San Francisco Standard detail at least 32 luxury trips spanning over 163 days to destinations including Tokyo, Cape Town, and Dubai during Lara’s tenure.
Lara, a longtime Democratic politician previously serving in the state Senate, reportedly flew cattle class while a trade group covered the costs of first- and business-class seats for him. His office was slow to disclose details about his travel expenses, only providing information on some trips as recently as November, according to the LA times.
Investigations revealed Lara’s trips included expenses such as limousines, an African safari, and a stay at a five-star resort in Dubai, accompanied by considerable security costs. He also reportedly missed key state meetings during these travels.
The commissioner’s spending extended beyond travel, with $107,000 charged to campaign credit cards for travel and meals in locations like Dublin, Costa Rica, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Bermuda, the LA Times reported. He also frequently dined at exclusive restaurants with unidentified guests, with bills covered by campaign supporters, according to The San Francisco Standard.
These revelations come as California has experienced skyrocketing insurance premiums and policy cancellations from major firms, though some have as recommitted to the state. Consumer advocates have criticized Lara for appearing to favor insurance interests.
This is not the first time Lara’s ethics have been questioned. Shortly after taking office in 2019, he was found to be soliciting donations from firms he regulated, prompting a pledge to uphold “a higher standard.”
A group of Los Angeles-area wildfire victims has recently called for Lara’s resignation,as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Lara’s office has been contacted for comment.
