John King sworn in as Georgia Insurance Commissioner

John King was officially sworn in this week by Governor Brian Kemp as Georgia’s newest insurance commissioner. King, who also serves as a major general in the Georgia National Guard, represents Georgia’s first Hispanic statewide officeholder. 

“General King has already made great strides in restoring public

trust in the agency and putting Georgians first,” Kemp said Friday after swearing in King during a ceremony in the Georgia House chambers. “He has dedicated his life to service, and we look forward to the positive impact he will continue to have on the agency.”

King tweeted moments after taking the oath. “Today, I’m proud to

be sworn in by the Governor and will continue to serve with integrity!” 

The former Doraville Police Chief has been serving in an acting position since June 2019. Kemp appointed him to the position on an interim basis after then-Insurance Commissioner Jim Beck was indicted on federal fraud and money laundering charges. Beck, a Republican elected to the office in 2018, was convicted last July and sentenced in October.

King took his oath of office one day after Beck, 60, reported to the

federal prison camp at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Beck was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for stealing $2 million from a former employer. His conviction cleared the way for King to be appointed to the position to finish out the term. 

King says he will seek the Republican nomination next year to continue as insurance commissioner. State Rep. Matthew Wilson, D-Brookhaven,

announced earlier this year his plans to run for the position as a Democrat. Wilson, a trial lawyer, would become the first state official to openly belong to the broader LGBTQ community.