Norman area voters will help pick Oklahoma's next insurance commissioner Tuesday, Nov. 3, choosing between Republican Bob Sullivan and Democrat Craig MacIntyre in a race centered on the cost of homeowners' insurance.

The stakes are personal for Oklahoma homeowners. On average, Oklahomans pay more than $5,500 a year for home insurance premiums, 120% above the national average and the highest in the nation, according to a LendingTree study cited by KGOU. Both candidates say lowering those rates is their top priority.

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. All eligible voters in line by 7 p.m. will be permitted to vote.

What's at stake

The Oklahoma Insurance Department regulates the state's insurance industry, protects consumers and enforces state insurance laws, according to News 9. The commissioner makes decisions that affect insurance companies, licensed insurance professionals and the rates Oklahomans pay.

The next commissioner will also oversee a major change in how rates are approved. A new law, House Bill 3781, shifts Oklahoma from a "use and file" system to a "file and use" system beginning July 1, 2027, KOCO reported. Under the new system, any company that wants to raise rates will need state approval first.

The candidates

Sullivan, a property and casualty insurance expert with 20 years in the business, said he favors a free-market approach, according to KOCO. He wants to recruit more insurance carriers to Oklahoma to increase competition.

"We need more competition in the state of Oklahoma," Sullivan said, according to KOCO.

Sullivan also pointed to the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program, a state grant offering homeowners up to $10,000 to fortify roofs against wind and hail, according to KGOU. He said participating insurance companies offer 25% to 40% premium decreases for homeowners who earn a Fortified Roof certificate.

He called HB 3781 helpful but said "it isn't a silver bullet," according to KGOU.

MacIntyre, a small business owner with more than 30 years in the insurance business, said he would use HB 3781 to scrutinize rate proposals and deny excessive increases, according to KGOU. He warned that competition alone does not guarantee lower rates, according to KOCO.

MacIntyre also questioned whether the roof-fortification approach helps homeowners already struggling with premiums. "My belief is, if you already can't afford your insurance premiums, how does purchasing another product solve that affordability crisis?" MacIntyre said, according to KGOU.

How to see results

State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax encouraged voters to confirm their polling place using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections before heading to the polls.

Election results will be available on the State Election Board website after polls close at 7 p.m. Tuesday.