Scott Fitzpatrick

The attorney becomes the first person of color to serve in a statewide office. Malek, who was appointed by Gov. Mike Parson, says he intends to run for the position at the end of this term.

The former state treasurer replaces Nicole Galloway, who was the only Democrat in Missouri holding an elected statewide position.

Vivek Malek is succeeding Scott Fitzpatrick, who was elected state auditor in November. The election for the next treasurer will occur in 2024, and Malek says he plans to run for the position.

Scott Fitzpatrick is hoping to move from being Missouri’s treasurer to state auditor. He’s facing off against Democrat Alan Green on Nov. 8.

Green is a north St. Louis County native and a former state lawmaker who won the Democratic nomination for auditor earlier this month.

The new program is now accepting both applications and donations.

If schools refused to certify their district had complied with Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s demands to drop any and all COVID-19 restrictions, thousands in savings to taxpayers were at risk. In the nearly three months since the state required the certification form, 21 districts signed and seven refused.

Missouri Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick said he issued the condition after Attorney General Eric Schmitt directed health authorities and school districts to stop their COVID mitigation efforts.

The GOP statewide elected official also talked about potential changes to the state's low-income housing tax credit program, as well as Missouri's budgetary picture.

Nicole Galloway is the party's last statewide official standing since Republicans gained substantial ground in Missouri.