ST. LOUIS – Former state Rep. Judy Baker defeated Pat Contreras for the Democratic nomination for state treasurer.
The race between Baker and Contreras showed signs of closing in recent polls, due to Contreras’ strong campaigning efforts and the $100,000 money advantage he had on her, but Baker had a strong campaign of her own and won decisively 61 percent to 38.
Baker has tried her hand at other statewide elections, running for congress against Blaine Luetkemeyer in 2008 and for lieutenant governor in 2012. However, she has yet to break through to the next level of elected office.
Contreras, something of a political newcomer to the state, has worked in Washington D.C. as a congressional staffer and a diplomat. He hoped to become the first Hispanic-American to hold statewide office in Missouri, but many in the Capitol credited him for the work put into him by his campaign.
Baker will now face off against the Republican nominee, state Sen. Eric Schmitt.
