Attorney Lori Rook running for state treasurer

Lori Rook, owner of local law firm Ozarks Elder Law LLC, is running for public office.

Rook, a career attorney, yesterday announced in a news release her plans to seek the Republican nomination for state treasurer.

“The people of Missouri deserve leaders who will fight for them, not more career politicians,” Rook said in the release. "I am running for treasurer to help Missourians fight against financial abuse and overreach and to protect, manage and wisely invest the taxpayer's money."

Rook's bid is her first for political office. Rook in 2018 gained full ownership of Ozarks Elder Law, which has nine offices, and in 2019 started Ozarks Business Law LLC, according to past reporting.

In the primary, she'll challenge Vivek Malek, who was appointed by Gov. Mike Parson in January. State Rep. Cody Smith, R-Carthage, and state Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, also have announced bids for the position, according to past reporting. The Missouri Ethics Commission website additionally lists a candidate filing by Lucas Johnson, a St. Louis-area investment adviser. Malek, who is seeking to retain his position, succeeded Scott Fitzpatrick, who in November 2022 was elected state auditor.