Vivek Malek wins Republican primary in Missouri State Treasurer's race

Republican incumbent Vivek Malek, Democrat Mark Osmack and Libertarian John Hartwig Jr. will represent their respective parties as in the race for the Missouri State Treasurer's Office in November.

With all uncertified election results in, Malek received 41.5% of the primary vote. He also captured the Greene County voters on the Republican primary ballot receiving more than 40% of votes with all precincts reported.

In an emailed statement following his victory, Malek thanked his supporters and those who endorsed him, including Gov. Mike Parson.

"So many in the political class believed that the Missouri Republican Party would not elect a person of color, and we proved them wrong," his statement read. "This election made it clear that the Missouri Republican Party is the Party that welcomes all conservatives, regardless of race."

Malek faced five other Republican candidates on the primary ballot. Cody Smith, Andrew Koenig, Lori Rook, Tina Goodrick and Karan Puji also ran for a spot on the General Election ballot in November.

Osmack and Hartwig ran uncontested in their party primaries.

The Missouri state treasurer is the state's chief financial officer, responsible for managing annual state revenues, directing bank services and overseeing the state's investment portfolio. The state treasurer is also responsible for unclaimed property that has been turned over by banks, businesses, insurance companies and government agencies.

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Born in Rohtak, India, Malek moved to Missouri in 2001. He attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, where he obtained his master's degree in business administration, and the University of Illinois College of Law.

Malek was appointed to the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Governors in 2020 by Gov. Mike Parson. He was recognized by Parson again in early 2023 when he was appointed as state treasurer, succeeding Scott Fitzpatrick, who was elected state auditor. If elected in November, this will be Malek's first full term as state treasurer.

According to the Missouri State Treasurer website, Malek's approach to his role centers around what he called "The Three P's," which are Protect, Provide and Promote. Malek wishes to protect taxpayer money by ensuring safe investments, provide growth with programs like MOST 529, MoScholars, MoAble and MoBucks, and promote the "promise of America."

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].

Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri primary results: Vivek Malek wins state treasurer race