Victor of Louisiana insurance commissioner election decided after candidate withdraws

Tim Temple, a Baton Rouge Republican who spent 20 years in the insurance industry, will be Louisiana’s next insurance commissioner after the only other candidate dropped out of the race Wednesday. Rich Weaver, a Democrat from Ascension Parish and only other candidate for the position, withdrew his bid Wednesday, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website. Weaver could not immediately be reached for comment. The statewide position was been thrust into the spotlight as the state struggles with an ongoing homeowner’s insurance crisis exacerbated by a series of destructive hurricanes in 2020 and 2021. Temple will be was tasked with finding solutions to lower skyrocketing property insurance costs — in some cases being unaffordable for Louisiana residents.