Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek takes office

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Republican Vivek Malek has been sworn in as Missouri’s new state treasurer. Malek took the oath of office Tuesday in front of hundreds of supporters gathered in the state House chamber. The 45-year-old attorney from suburban St. Louis is the first non-white person to hold statewide office in Missouri. He’s an immigrant from India. Malek is replacing Republican Scott Fitzpatrick as treasurer. Fitzpatrick left the role after voters elected him state auditor last year. Malek’s role is the fifth open statewide elected seat that Republican Gov. Mike Parson has filled with an appointment since he became governor in 2018.