Texas Governor Appoints Amanda Crawford as Insurance Commissioner
On January 8, 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Amanda Crawford as the state’s Commissioner of Insurance, succeeding Cassie Brown, who retired after over four years in the role. The appointment is for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027, and Crawford will oversee the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), which regulates the state’s $293 billion insurance market—the second largest in the U.S. This move comes amid ongoing challenges in Texas’ insurance sector, including rising premiums due to natural disasters and market volatility.
Background on Amanda Crawford
Amanda Crawford, a resident of Round Rock, Texas, has served as the state’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) and executive director of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) since 2021. In this role, she led efforts to modernize state IT infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, and manage data resources amid increasing digital threats. Prior to DIR, Crawford held positions at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, including as chief information security officer, and worked in various IT and security roles in state government. Her experience in technology and risk management is seen as aligning well with insurance regulation, particularly in areas like data privacy and cyber insurance. Crawford’s departure from DIR will necessitate the appointment of a new CIO, with the agency planning a transition period.
Role and Responsibilities
As Insurance Commissioner, Crawford will head TDI, responsible for licensing insurers, enforcing consumer protections, and addressing issues like property insurance rates, which have spiked due to hurricanes and other events. The role involves overseeing rate approvals, investigating complaints, and promoting market stability in a state prone to natural disasters. Industry observers note that her tech background could bring innovation to regulatory processes, such as improving digital filings and cybersecurity standards for insurers.
Public and Industry Reactions
The appointment has been largely positively received in tech and government circles, with praise for Crawford’s expertise in bridging technology and policy. On X, announcements from outlets like @State_Scoop highlighted her transition from CIO to commissioner, noting the implications for state IT leadership. Insurance Journal (@ijournal) shared details of the replacement for Cassie Brown, emphasizing the market’s scale. Other posts, such as from @ClaimToolkit, linked to coverage of her new role. Quorum Report (@quorumreport) provided a brief on the appointment for Texas politics watchers. While some unrelated discussions on X touched on political appointments in general, the direct feedback on Crawford’s selection appears focused on her qualifications rather than controversy.