Cowell plans to run for treasurer

State Sen. Janet Cowell of Raleigh says she plans to run for state treasurer next year.

Cowell, who will turn 39 this month, had considered running for Democratic nomination for treasurer in January, but had put off a decision until the end the legislative session.

“I am going to run,” Cowell said.

Cowell said she has been talking with major groups — state employees and teachers — that have a particular interest in the state pension fund which is managed by the state treasurer’s office.

“It’s an awe inspiring office,” Cowell said. “More than any office I’ve considered, its been a long process of reflection.”

Cowell was first elected to the Raleigh City Council in 2001 and was elected to the state Senate in 2004, winning the seat held by Sen. Eric Reeves, who was retiring.

She has an MBA from Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and started her career working as a security analyst in Hong Kong for three years. In the Triangle, she worked as a marketing manager for SJF Ventures, a small venture capital firm.

The treasurer’s office will be come open next year, because the incumbent, Richard Moore, is running for governor.

Chris Mintz, a Raleigh businessman, has already announced his plans to seek the Democratic nomination. Michael Weisel, a Raleigh attorney and former investment executive, is looking at the race.