Iowa Talking Points — Chris Cournoyer, Republican Candidate, Iowa State Auditor

Chris Cournoyer is the Republican nominee for Iowa State Auditor, running to flip the office from Democrat to Republican. Currently serving as Iowa's Lieutenant Governor — appointed to the position in 2024 following the resignation of former Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg — Cournoyer previously served as a state senator representing Iowa Senate District 35. The LeClaire Republican will not continue as Lieutenant Governor after the 2026 election cycle since Governor Kim Reynolds is not seeking reelection. She is challenging Democrat Taylor Wettach, a Muscatine attorney, for the open auditor seat being vacated by Rob Sand, who is running for governor. Cournoyer has criticized Sand's use of the auditor's office, arguing he pursued politically motivated audits. Cournoyer joined Jeff Stein at Iowa Talking Points Studio to discuss her vision for the State Auditor's office and her plans for government accountability.