Juan C. Luengo, a Democrat from Olathe, is running for Kansas treasurer in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican incumbent Steven Johnson and Libertarian Eric Lund.

Asked why he is seeking the office, Luengo said in our candidate questionnaire that "finance is his love language" and that "he has been working in risk management for 20 years." He added, "He wants to bring meaningful change to better the life of every Kansan."

Candidate information

Party: Luengo said in our questionnaire, "While Juan is registered and running as a Democrat, this office will fundamentally remain non-partisan under Juan's leadership."

Residence: Olathe, Kansas

Campaign address: 9401 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 120, Overland Park

Family: Luengo said in our questionnaire, "Juan is a single father."

Education: Luengo said in our questionnaire, "Juan has a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Pennsylvania State University; while there, he was an Honors recipient of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars."

He added, "I have also graduated from several certificate courses, including the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program … and a certification in Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Development Strategies from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania."

Previous office: Luengo says he has not held elected or appointed office. He said in our questionnaire, "I have not previously served in any elected or appointed office."

Experience and public service

Luengo said in our questionnaire, "Juan C. Luengo has worked in risk management since 2007, building a reputation for crafting customized financial-protection strategies for businesses … He was named CEO of Engage Insurance Group in January 2021."

Asked about accomplishments, Luengo said in our questionnaire, "He led the company through a transformation of one carrier to over 140 carriers. Through his leadership, he doubled the size of the client base and increased client-facing employees by 40%."

He also said he has "expanded the Engage brand in California, Colorado, Kentucky, and Missouri and has invested in technology to streamline processes and bring efficiencies for clients."

According to his campaign website, Luengo also serves on the boards of Mental Health America of the Heartland and The Builders' Association, a chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America.

On the issues

Unclaimed property: Asked what he would do to return unclaimed property faster, Luengo said in our questionnaire, "The website needs a revamp, and the office needs new technology to make things easier for consumers, especially staff."

He added, "Receiving a 10-page letter that someone needs to fill out, then mail, and wait at least 60-90 days to get a check is too long. Instead of manually using spreadsheets, we will use technology to track every unclaimed property request."

Kansas already allows claimants to check claim status and upload supporting documents online. Luengo’s response did not specify which internal processes he would replace.

Kansas investments and local banking: Asked about directing more state investments through Kansas banks, Luengo said in our questionnaire:

"Juan would promote the linked deposits programs to as many chambers of commerce … and other business organizations to make sure that business owners and farmers are getting the information … the ability to apply with the banks that are enrolled in the program."

ESG law: Asked whether social goals should play a role in how Kansas invests public money, Luengo said in our questionnaire:

"ESG is a form of revenue generator for the state, and it is supplementary to the other investments made in other energy sources. I am for businesses scaling as well as innovating because it will put Kansas on a path to more growth and job creation."

Education savings: On his campaign platform, Luengo says he wants to "expand Kansas's 529 plan to cover four-year colleges, the trades and apprenticeships."