RALPH T. HUDGENS

GEORGIA INSURANCE AND SAFETY FIRE COMMISSIONER

 

Ralph Hudgens was elected as Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner on November 2, 2010. 

 

In addition to being Insurance Commissioner, Hudgens is also the Safety Fire Commissioner, Industrial Loan Commissioner, and Comptroller General. His duties include regulating approximately 1,600 insurance companies, licensing 137,000 insurance agents, and regulating over 1,000 industrial loan offices (companies that make loans of $3,000 or less).

 

As Safety Fire Commissioner, Hudgens appoints the State Fire Marshal, oversees the state arson unit, regulates explosive and hazardous materials, and is responsible for the inspection of public buildings for compliance with the state fire code. 

 

After nearly two decades working in the private sector, Hudgens started Quality Propane, Inc. which he sold in 1987. Today, he owns and operates several successful businesses, and understands first-hand how insurance premiums impact companies of all sizes.

 

Hudgens’ public service began with an appointment in the first Bush administration.  He went on to be elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1996 where he served until his election to the State Senate in 2002.

 

Because of his service as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and Vice-Chairman of the Banking and Financial Institution, Hudgens is one of the state's foremost experts on insurance, business regulation, and consumer issues.

 

A loyal Republican, Ralph has served as a GOP delegate at the local, state, and federal level. He is committed to the party platform of lower taxes, less government, and strong family values. He is 100 percent pro-life and a champion of various pro-family causes.

 

Ralph and his wife Suzanne have four children and twelve grandchildren. He and Suzanne are active members at Winterville First Baptist Church.