Iowa Republican Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer files paperwork to run for state auditor in 2026

DES MOINES — Iowa Republican Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, of Le Claire, has filed paperwork to run for state auditor in 2026.

Cournoyer filed paperwork April 25 with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board organizing a campaign to run of Auditor of State next year.

Cournoyer was among a group of Iowa Republicans expected to be mulling whether to run to replace Gov. Kim Reynolds, who earlier this month announced she will not seek another term.

Reynolds’ surprise announcement creates an open race that resets the field in Iowa ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and presents opportunities for both Republicans and Democrats. It’s the first time an incumbent will not appear on the ballot in the race for Iowa governor since 2006 — and only the third time since 1982.

Last week’s campaign filing appears to indicate Cournoyer is taking a pass on running to succeed Reynolds as governor, opting instead to run for auditor.

“Exploring my options, having lots of conversations, more to come next week,” Cournoyer said in a text message responding to a request for comment from The Gazette.

She was sworn in as Iowa’s 48th lieutenant governor in December, succeeding former Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, who abruptly resigned in early September to become the incoming president and chief executive officer of the Iowa Bankers Association. The association advocates for, provides resources to and lobbies on behalf of Iowa banks.

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Cournoyer resigned in the middle of serving her second term in the Iowa Legislature to serve alongside Reynolds. At the time of her appointment, Reynolds praised Cournoyer’s “extensive experience on key legislative committees,” including those responsible for writing the state’s education budget and tax policy, as well her expertise in technology, innovation and artificial intelligence.

Before entering politics, Cournoyer worked as a senior consultant in the Technology Division at Andersen Consulting, the Fortune 500 firm that later became Accenture. She also has worked as a website designer, a substitute teacher and as a reserve deputy for the Scott County Sheriff’s Department.

Cournoyer first won election to the Iowa Senate in 2018, flipping the seat to Republican control, and was reelected in 2022. Before that, she served on the Pleasant Valley School Board.

In the Senate, she served as chair of the Senate Technology Committee and vice chair of the State Government committee and an assistant majority leader.

During her time in the Senate, Cournoyer has supported Reynolds’ priorities on tax cuts, Education Savings Accounts, restrictions of content in schools and changes to Area Education Agencies. In recent years, Cournoyer has worked on legislation dealing with consumer data privacy, digital stalking, cybersecurity, public notices, vapor products and repealing gender balance for public boards and commissions.

State Auditor Rob Sand, a potential Democratic candidate for governor, has not yet announced his intentions for 2026.

Sand’s office declined comment Monday.

The Auditor of State serves as “taxpayers’ watchdog” by auditing the financial operations of Iowa state and local government agencies to guard against abuse of taxpayer dollars.

Comments: (319) 398-8499; tom.barton@thegazette.com