Juan Luengo is the Democratic Party candidate running for the Kansas Treasurer post in the November 3 midterm elections. Luengo spoke about what motivated the former CEO to make a pivot to politics, sharing his views on the duties and roles of the state treasurer during a campaign meeting accompanied by his campaign manager.
At a time when the Democratic and Republican Parties face a wide political chasm, Luengo has promised to work with individuals on both sides of the aisle, describing it as an essential need for the public. He stated that the current level of partisanship is harmful to everyone and emphasized that both political parties must return to the negotiating table given existing circumstances.
Luengo previously served as the CEO of Engage Insurance Group, where his campaign notes he led a turnaround by diversifying a single-carrier business into a multi-carrier brokerage, doubling clients, growing the team by forty percent, and expanding into six states. While critics have noted his lack of traditional political experience, Luengo maintains that his operational background provides the skills necessary for the position. He also discussed how he intends to navigate political negotiations if elected.
When asked about his motivation for running, Luengo explained it stemmed from global and local events in Kansas, feeling that multiple issues needed correction leading up to his decision to file paperwork in May. He views the treasurer role as an opportunity to assist the younger generation, small businesses, farmers, women-owned businesses, and individuals with disabilities.
Although past Kansas Treasurers have advanced to the United States Congress, Luengo stated that he has not looked that far ahead and remains focused entirely on the current race. He hopes to use a four-year term to demonstrate to Kansans that they made the right choice.
If elected, Luengo intends to establish a nonpartisan economic council incorporating government officials, the private sector, small businesses, farmers, women leaders, and trade unions. This council would help draft policies for legislative approval while cooperating with the governor's office and the commerce department to secure major economic agreements.
Luengo also advocates for tax abatements and incentives tailored for farmers and small businesses to help them grow and innovate, arguing that economic relief should not be reserved exclusively for top-tier firms when small businesses represent the largest employers in the country.
Describing himself as a responsible capitalist, Luengo defended capitalism as a system designed to lift people upward, though he acknowledged that rising costs have made modern economic conditions harder for working people. Addressing his Republican opponent, Steven Johnson, Luengo acknowledged Johnson's financial knowledge while distinguishing himself as an operator who prioritizes grassroots community engagement over sitting behind a desk.
Luengo concluded that Kansas requires an active fighter who understands distinct community needs on the ground and requested an opportunity to prove his capabilities to voters.