A former U.S. diplomat now running for Missouri state treasurer on Friday was in Joplin to meet with Southwest Missouri Democrats.

Pat Contreras, of Kansas City, was on hand at a Democrat mixer that was put on in conjunction with the Democrats' Eleanor Roosevelt Days banquet on Saturday night.

Former State Department Official Pat Contreras 

A fresh newcomer on the Missouri political scene, he has an impressive resume and is coalescing several endorsements in his race.

See Pat Contreras talking about his race for Missouri State Treasurer on Missouri Viewpoints

Saint Louis, Mo. — In 2016, Missourians will be asked to elect a president, a governor, a senator, an attorney general, and most of the general assembly. Given the stakes and the turnout normally found in a presidential year election, it’s hard to imagine a down-ticket race attracting too much attention. 

“Pat is exactly who the Democrats need on the statewide ticket.” — Kansas City Mayor Sly James on Tuesday endorsing another Kansas Citian, Pat Contreras, for Missouri treasurer.

Kansas City native has served in Obama and Bush Administrations

KANSAS CITY – Pat Contreras, a Kansas City native who has served both in the Obama and Bush administrations as a U.S. State Department diplomat, today filed paperwork to run for Missouri Treasurer as a Democrat in the 2016 election.  Pat will be rolling out his campaign over the coming weeks with a formal announcement planned for this summer.