State treasurer campaigns in St. Joseph
By Charles Christian
State Treasurer Vivek Malek made a brief campaign stop in St. Joseph at the Republican headquarters on Village Drive as part of his statewide campaign effort.
Malek, a Republican, is running in the Aug. 6 primary against five other Republican competitors. He said he is hoping that his list of accomplishments in his short tenure in office will win the confidence of Missouri Republicans. Malek was appointed in December of 2022 by Gov. Mike Parson following Scott Fitzpatrick’s election as State Auditor.
“I told the governor that I wanted an opportunity to give back to the state that has been so good to me,” Malek said. “I feel it is a calling for me.”
Malek, who was born in India, came to Missouri over 20 years ago on a student visa. He graduated with an MBA from Southeast Missouri State, and then received a law degree from the University of Illinois. He became a Naturalized U.S. Citizen after going through the legal immigration process after 16 years. He said this experience has prompted his support of immigration through legal means and is a reason he supports Donald Trump’s platform regarding strict rules about illegal immigration.
“I am not anti-immigration,” Malek said, “but I am against illegal immigration. I entered this country legally and became a citizen through its process, and I believe that is the way it should be.”
His own record as treasurer includes efforts to return unclaimed property, setting a record for returned money and properties during each year of his short term in office. Malek has also expanded the push for the MOBUCKS low-interest loan program and has been vocal in urging Missouri leaders to divest state pension funds from investments in China. He is also a proponent of school choice and the MOScholars program.
“I believe school choice is very important,” Malek said. “In districts that are not performing to the level where kids can read and write at grade level, I want parents to have better options.”
If Malek is selected in the Aug. 6 primary, he will face a Democratic opponent on the November ballot.
