aboutJim
Jim Donelon has served as Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Louisiana for more than 12 years. He was first appointed Insurance Commissioner in February 2006 when the incumbent vacated the seat. He has since been re-elected to three consecutive terms.
As Commissioner, he has recently seen a 6.5% decrease in individual health insurance premiums. Louisiana is one of only eleven states to see a decrease. Through his leadership, Louisiana has also seen an increase in the market for property insurance since hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Homeowner rates have increased by only 1% per year over the past five years.
Additionally, Jim has worked diligently on our high auto insurance rates. His efforts have led to a 7.7% decrease in auto insurance rates by State Farm (the largest auto insurer in the state). Progressive Insurance Company also recently reduced rates to policyholders by 2.2% and Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance Company reduced rates by 4.4%.
After three elected Insurance Commissioners went to federal prison, Jim completed his rehabilitation of Louisiana’s reputation when he was elected President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in 2013. He currently serves as Chairman of the Surplus Lines Task Force and on the Executive Committee of the NAIC. Prior to becoming Commissioner of Insurance, Jim served within the Department of Insurance as Chief Deputy Commissioner and Executive Counsel.
He also served in the Louisiana House of Representatives representing Jefferson Parish where he was Chairman of the Committee on Insurance. His public service career also includes 33 years in the Louisiana Army National Guard where he retired with the rank of Colonel. Jim received the prestigious Legion of Merit, a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.
\A native of New Orleans, Jim is a graduate of Jesuit High School, the University of New Orleans, and Loyola School of Law. Jim and his wife, Merilynn “Mopsy” Donelon, reside in Jefferson Parish. Mopsy and Jim have four daughters and eight grandchildren.
Donate To Jim
If you would like to donate by check, please make payable to: Jim Donelon Campaign, P. O. Box 6993, Metairie, LA 70009. If you have any questions or problems making your donation, please contact Sally Nungesser at 225-235-2745 or sally@nungesserconsulting.com.
Corporate or personal donations are allowed by Louisiana law. Donations are limited to $5,000 per person and a “person” by Louisiana law is an individual (husband can be one individual, wife another individual, and separate checks should be used), a corporation, a political committee, a partnership, or an LLC. The Louisiana Ethics Board has issued an advisory opinion that single member LLCs and their owner are subject to a single limit. The same opinion stated that S-corporations that are 100% owned by one individual are subject to the same limit. State law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name and mailing address of donors. Donations are not tax deductible. The campaign has reached its aggregate PAC limit for the 2019 election and therefore is no longer able to accept PAC donations.
