Democratic incumbent John Garamendi is currently leading in his effort to move up to the lieutenant governor's post.

In Oklahoma, incumbent Democrat Kim Holland survived a nasty race to defeat state lawmaker Bill Case. Ms. Holland was the target of some sharp advertisements from out of state and from the Case camp, questioning her ethics and qualifications for office.

Kansas GOP incumbent Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, currently vice president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, bucked a Democratic trend in her state, retaining the post she has held for the past four years. Her predecessor and former NAIC president, Democrat Kathleen Sebelius, rode to an easy victory as governor. Jim R. Ryun (R-2nd) was defeated in his bid for re-election to the House of Representatives.

Georgia GOP Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine won re-election, defeating Democrat Guy Drexinger. Earlier this year, he considered running for lieutenant governor, in a race that gained national attention when evangelical Christian Ralph Reed lost in the GOP primary.

In New York and Ohio, Democratic gubernatorial candidates took the statehouses from GOP hands. New commissioners more than likely will be coming on board next year.

And in a state that faces crucial insurance questions in the coming years–Florida–Democratic Alex Sink turned back a challenge from Tom Lee for the recently created post of chief financial officer, who in turn will appoint the state's insurance commissioner.