A prominent Democratic health advocate entered the race for Georgia’s open Insurance Commissioner seat on Tuesday with a pledge to serve as a compassionate voice for consumers, sensing an opportunity to flip a down-ticket office that’s been held for decades by Republicans. Cindy Zeldin, the executive director of Georgians for a Healthy Future, is the first high-profile Democrat to announce a bid to succeed Republican Ralph Hudgens. The two-term Republican said Monday he would not run for another stint in office. “For too long, the office hasn’t been focused on the consumers,” said Zeldin. “The people need a champion – they need someone who will do everything to make sure they have insurance options that are fair, affordable and transparent.” Zeldin contends the office is too cozy with insurers, and that the next commissioner should be focused “first and foremost about consumers.” She plans to step down from her advocacy group, which was one of the more forceful s...
