Meet Dave Jones
Dave Jones has spent his career turning public service into tangible results for California families. From the State Assembly to the Department of Insurance, his record is defined by consumer protection, health care access, and a willingness to stand up to powerful interests. This page offers a closer look at the man behind the policy—his background, his values, and the work that has earned him recognition across the state and nation.
Roots in Public Service
Dave Jones was drawn to public service early, shaped by a belief that government can and should work for ordinary people. Before entering elected office, he built a foundation in law and policy that would guide his approach to complex problems. His career has spanned federal, state, and local levels, giving him a rare perspective on how different layers of government intersect—and where they often fail the people they serve.
Jones is a family man as well as a public figure. He and his wife, Kim Flores, have raised two children, Isabelle and William, in Sacramento. That personal stake in California’s future has informed his policy priorities, from improving schools to ensuring safe neighborhoods. His commitment to community is not abstract; it is rooted in the daily realities of raising a family in the state’s capital.
A Record in the State Assembly
From 2004 through 2010, Dave Jones represented Sacramento in the California State Assembly. He quickly became known as a legislator who dug into the details and did not shy away from difficult fights. As chair of the Assembly Health Committee, he led efforts to expand access to care and hold insurers accountable. He also chaired the Assembly Judiciary Committee and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, roles that required balancing fiscal responsibility with the urgent needs of vulnerable Californians.
Jones served on committees dealing with agriculture, utilities and commerce, and select committees on foster care, youth violence prevention, growth management, and rail transportation. This breadth of assignments reflects a legislator willing to engage with the full range of issues affecting his district and the state. His work earned him a reputation as a pragmatic problem-solver who could build coalitions across partisan lines.
“Dave Jones has consistently put consumers ahead of special interests, proving that smart regulation can save lives and money.”
Independent observers took notice. Capitol Weekly named Jones California’s “most effective legislator” other than the Assembly Speaker and the Senate President Pro Tempore—a remarkable distinction for a rank-and-file member. The California Consumer Federation called him a “Consumer Champion,” and the Western Center on Law and Poverty gave him its Leadership Award. These honors reflect a pattern: Jones did not just introduce bills; he delivered results.
California’s Insurance Commissioner: Standing Up for Consumers
In 2010, Jones was elected California’s Insurance Commissioner, a statewide office he held from 2011 through 2018. In that role, he regulated the largest insurance market in the United States, overseeing an industry that collects $310 billion a year in premiums in California. For 38 million Californians, his decisions directly affected the cost and availability of health, auto, home, and business insurance.
Jones used the office to secure crucial victories for consumers. He implemented the Affordable Care Act in California, helping to expand coverage to millions and protect those with pre-existing conditions. He blocked the Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana mergers, moves that preserved competition and prevented higher premiums. He also worked to improve provider network adequacy—ensuring that insurance plans actually included enough doctors and hospitals—and pushed for mental health parity, so that mental health conditions were covered on par with physical illnesses.
His efforts did not go unnoticed by the medical and legal communities. In 2017, the American Medical Association awarded Jones its prestigious Award for Outstanding Government Service, citing his work on the Affordable Care Act, merger blocking, and mental health parity. The Daily Journal, California’s largest legal newspaper, named him one of the state’s Top 100 Lawyers. The American Psychiatric Association gave him the Jacob K. Javits Public Service Award in 2015 for his leadership on mental health parity.
A Champion for Health Care and Mental Health
Health care has been a throughline in Dave Jones’s career. As Insurance Commissioner, he fought to make health insurance more affordable and more reliable. He understood that insurance is not just a financial product—it is the gateway to medical care, mental health services, and preventive treatment. His work on mental health parity was particularly significant, requiring insurers to cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment at the same level as physical health care.
Jones also focused on reproductive health. He received a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood for defending women’s access to reproductive healthcare. In an era when such access is under constant threat, Jones was a steadfast advocate for a woman’s right to make her own medical decisions. His record on this issue earned him honors from Planned Parenthood, the California National Organization for Women, and other organizations committed to health equity.
Recognized Leadership Across Issues
Beyond health care and insurance, Jones has been honored for work on a wide range of issues. The Greenlining Institute gave him their “2012 Big Heart Award” for promoting diversity in the insurance industry—an effort to ensure that minority-owned businesses and underserved communities had a fair shot. Autism Speaks presented him with the 2012 Distinguished Advocate Award for his work on autism insurance coverage, helping families access critical therapies.
Environmental and community organizations also recognized his contributions. The national Floodplain Management Association honored Jones with an award for Meritorious Achievement for his work to prevent catastrophic flooding in California. Environment California, the Greater Sacramento Urban League, Preschool California, and CalPIRG have all honored his work. These awards reflect a legislator and commissioner who saw the connections between environmental safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life.
Why Dave Jones Is Running for State Senate
Dave Jones is not done fighting. His decades of experience at the federal, state, and local levels have given him a deep understanding of how to make government work for people. He is running for State Senate to bring that experience back to the legislature, where he can continue to champion consumer protections, health care access, and environmental safety. His campaign is built on a simple premise: that California’s leaders should answer to the people, not to powerful industries.
Jones’s record shows that he is willing to take on tough fights—whether blocking health insurance mergers, expanding mental health coverage, or defending reproductive rights. He has been recognized by doctors, lawyers, consumer advocates, and community groups as a leader who delivers. As he seeks to represent Sacramento in the State Senate, he brings a proven track record of effective, principled leadership.
To learn more about his positions and campaign, visit the About Dave Jones page or return to the home page for the latest updates.