– State Sen. Eric Schmitt announced Wednesday his candidacy for Missouri State Treasurer in 2016 – more than two years ahead of election day.

“Service to others has always come first in my professional life,” said the St. Louis Republican. “I’m running for Treasurer because this is the office where I believe I can make the biggest difference on behalf of Missouri taxpayers by continuing to work on the job-creating policies I’ve fought for in the State Senate.”

“– State Sen. Eric Schmitt announced Wednesday his candidacy for Missouri State Treasurer in 2016 – more than two years ahead of election day.

“Service to others has always come first in my professional life,” said the St. Louis Republican. “I’m running for Treasurer because this is the office where I believe I can make the biggest difference on behalf of Missouri taxpayers by continuing to work on the job-creating policies I’ve fought for in the State Senate.”

“The Treasurer’s office needs to take a more proactive role in protecting taxpayers. Whether it’s ensuring greater fiscal responsibility, providing greater analysis on the impact of proposed legislative polices, safeguarding the state’s AAA bond rating or ensuring the programs operated by the office are more efficient and transparent, these are all areas I intend to focus my efforts as Treasurer,” he said.

Schmitt had been thought to be mulling entering the fray for his party’s nomination for attorney general, where two other Republicans were also planning runs.

No Democrat has announced their interest in the seat. Incumbent Clint Zweifel is term limited.