51ºÚÁÏ

JEFFERSON CITY — On a day when one of his opponents is holding a major fundraiser, a political action committee backing Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek received another $500,000 check from a company he once owned.

Malek, who is seeking a full, four-year term after being appointed to the post in 2022 by Gov. Mike Parson, is expected to transform a massive fundraising advantage into a media blitz in the coming days as he seeks the Republican nomination.

Meantime, the lone Democrat in the race, Mark Osmack, is formally kicking off his campaign with a fundraiser in Webster Groves Thursday. Among attendees on the invitation are Missouri Democratic Party Chairman Russ Carnahan, 51ºÚÁÏ County Executive Sam Page and a number of current and former state 51ºÚÁÏ area senators.

Osmack, an Army veteran and former congressional aide, was an unsuccessful candidate in 2018 for the congressional seat held by Republican Ann Wagner.

The state treasurer is typically one of the more low-profile statewide offices. The treasurer oversees the state’s $1 billion unclaimed property program, manages a small-business and agriculture economic development program, and administers the state’s education and disability savings plans.

Malek, a political newcomer, is expected to begin taping television advertisements and will be on the air soon as he faces off against House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith of Carthage, Sen. Andrew Koenig of Manchester and Lori Rook, a Springfield attorney.

Others vying for the GOP nomination include Karan Pujji and Tina Goodrick.

The check for Malek’s American Promise PAC from Pacifica Consulting Services was reported to the Missouri Ethics Commission Wednesday, the same day Smith is having a fundraiser.

In May, American Promise received a $1 million check from Pacifica, which Malek launched in 2008 to assist foreign students in gaining admittance to American colleges.

He exited Pacifica on Dec. 23, 2022, two days after Parson announced his surprise pick, putting the company under control of Pamela Polk at the same address as his law firm.

Pacifica has thus far contributed nearly $3 million to Malek.

None of his opponents have cracked the $1 million level, according to filings with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Among those listed as hosts for Smith’s event is state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, who was a former House Budget Committee chairman before Parson appointed him treasurer in 2019.

Others on the host list include former House Speaker Elijah Haahr of Springfield, Sen. Curtis Trent of Springfield and a handful of state representatives.