JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Democratic State Rep. Jay Swearingen said Wednesday he is ‘in’ to challenge Republican State Auditor Tom Schweich in his reelection campaign next year.

Swearingen, who was elected from Kansas City in 2010, said in an email: “Yep. I’m in.”

Swearingen received a degree in Journalism from Texas State University and his Master of Public Administration degree from the University of North Texas. A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, he has worked as a real estate broker, freelance writer, and senior staff on political campaigns.

He is the first Democrat to throw a hat into the ring against Schweich. According to his July filing with the Missouri Ethics Commission, Swearingen has $11,133 on hand in his campaign account. Schweich, meanwhile, has more than $293,000 already.

Schweich, in a brief interview Wednesday morning, said: “I don’t know him very well and I’m looking forward to a spirited debate.”