Insurance commissioner election results

Four U.S. states had competitive insurance commissioner races in this week's election, with three of the races lacking challengers until recent months.

North Carolina had the most high-profile, closely contested race, where incumbent Republican insurance commissioner Mike Causey defeated Democratic challenger Natasha Marcus 52% to 48%, with over 5.4 million votes cast, according to Ballotpedia.

In a concession statement, Marcus said, "We ran a strong, honest, grassroots campaign and brought the concerns of many North Carolinians to light. We came close to a win. I am proud of that work and hope it will prompt positive changes at the Department of Insurance because the people of our state deserve reliable, affordable insurance coverage."

In Washington, for a seat vacated by Democratic commissioner Mike Kreidler, who retired, Democrat Patricia Kuderer defeated Republican Phil Fortunato by 57% to 43%, with over 2.5 million votes cast, Ballotpedia reported.

In Delaware, Democratic incumbent Trinidad Navarro won re-election to a third four-year term against Republican challenger Ralph Taylor, by 58.5% to 41.5% with 486,659 votes cast, according to Ballotpedia.

In Montana, Republican James Brown defeated Democrat John Repke to succeed Republican Troy Downing as Commissioner of Insurance and Securities and State Auditor. Brown had 62% of the vote as of 9 a.m. November 6, with 86% of votes counted, according to the Montana Free Press. Downing served one four-year term, then ran for and won a U.S. House seat this week, according to Ballotpedia.

In North Dakota, Republican Jon Godfread ran unopposed for a third four-year term as insurance commissioner, Ballotpedia reported.