Your last-minute guide for California insurance commissioner, controller and other statewide offices

California voters will elect new statewide officials in 2026 who will have significant impact on housing costs and development across the state.

While much attention has focused on the gubernatorial race to replace Gavin Newsom, several key positions directly affect homeowners and property developers through their oversight of insurance markets, government spending, and bond financing for housing projects.

The insurance commissioner race carries particular importance for California property owners facing skyrocketing premiums and coverage cancellations in wildfire-prone areas.

This official regulates the state's insurance market and has authority to approve or deny rate increases that directly impact homeowner costs.

Meanwhile, the state treasurer manages California's investment portfolio and oversees bond financing for affordable housing developments and infrastructure projects that support new construction.

The controller position, responsible for government accountability and taxpayer fund oversight, also influences housing policy implementation and tracks spending on state housing programs.

These races typically receive less attention than higher-profile contests, but the officials serve critical functions in Sacramento's housing ecosystem.

With California's ongoing affordability crisis and insurance availability challenges following recent historic wildfires, voters' choices in these down-ballot races will shape the regulatory and financial landscape that determines housing costs and development feasibility statewide.