State Insurance Commissioner Hudgens Announces Retirement

Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens announced today that he will not seek re-election for a third term as Georgia’s Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.

In a prepared statement, Hudgens said the decision came after much thought and prayer.

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity that the people of this State have given me to serve in this capacity, but I look forward to retiring from elected office to spend more time with my wife Suzanne, my four kids, and 12 grandchildren,” he said.

Hudgens was elected as Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner in 2010 and re-elected to a second term in November 2014. In addition to being Insurance Commissioner, Hudgens is also the Safety Fire Commissioner and Industrial Loan Commissioner.

Prior to becoming Insurance Commissioner, Hudgens began his public service began with an appointment in the US Department of Agriculture by President Bush.

He went on to be elected to the Georgia House and then the Georgia Senate, serving fourteen years until his election as Insurance Commissioner.

Hudgens said he ran for Insurance Commissioner because he believed he could be an effective advocate for consumers.

He noted his office has helped consumers get payment after insurance companies originally denied claims and has aggressively pursued insurance fraud.

He also highlighted his efforts in working to make sure Georgians had a competitive insurance marketplace.

“The Department has accomplished a lot, but there is still much to do,” he said. “I look forward to actively serving out the year and a half that remains in my term. I will continue to work to protect Georgia consumers and make sure that Georgia remains a competitive place to do the business of insurance.”

Hudgens said after leaving office he intends to continue staying involved in politics.

“My political activity began when I accompanied my wife to meetings with conservative activists in 1980. I quickly developed a passion for politics and a belief that the right people running for office could make a difference for our country and our state. I still have that passion, and I still have that belief. Suzanne and I will continue to stay involved in politics and will continue to work for the people and the causes in which we believe.”

I enjoyed my time in the State House and State Senate, but I am particularly grateful for the privilege of serving as Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner,” he continued. “I am grateful to my best partner for the last 54 years, Suzanne, who stood by me and worked with me through successful elections and failed ones. I am grateful for the excellent staff at the Department of Insurance that has enabled me to be successful over the last seven years. I am grateful for my supporters around the State who helped me get elected and re-elected to this office. Most of all, I am grateful to my God who has given me so many blessings- the greatest of which have nothing to do with politics.”