Chris Cournoyer

Chris Cournoyer was born in Dallas, Texas.[2] Cournoyer earned a B.A. in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin in 1992.[3] Cournoyer previously served as the president of the Pleasant Valley School Board and on the board of the Governor of Iowa's STEM Advisory Council.[2][4]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I live in LeClaire, Iowa and am the mother to 4 kids: Bennett 28, Sydney 26, and twin boys Tanner and Chase, 19 who are Freshman at the University of Iowa. My parents: Burt and Marilyn Gearhart (dad is from Newton, IA Mom is from Brooklyn, IA); I have a BA Degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas and have worked in the technology sector for 28 years, including for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) and my website design business. I have been an active volunteer in the Quad City community for the past 26 years as a Scott County Reserve Deputy, youth sports and robotics coach, LeClaire Community Library Friends of the Library President, Quad City Engineering and Science Council President, Junior League of the Quad Cities, LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, Women United (through the United Way), Southeast Iowa STEM Council, and substitute teacher. I served on the Pleasant Valley School Board from 2013-2019, 2 years as Board President. I served in the Iowa Senate representing Clinton, Jackson, and Scott County from 2019-2024. I became Lt. Governor of Iowa in December 2024. In that role I serve as Co-Chair of the Governor's STEM Council, Co-Chair of Empower Rural Iowa, and the Chair of the Iowa America 250 Initiative.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Iowa deserves a true taxpayer watch dog in the Auditor's office that shows up for the job and isn't a political activist. For too long, the current Auditor has used this office to run for higher office and neglect his duties. I will provide the CPAs and staff in the Auditors office much needed leadership and resources to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, hold bad actors accountable, and get audits done in a timely manner. This would include dispersing staff across the state to ensure that audits and investigations are handled more effectively and efficiently and locally by Iowans that live in and are more familiar with the communities.I would also work to modernize the office with technology and best practices that includes working with local and state government to implement DOGE recommendations for government efficiencies. We can leverage AI to usher the office into the next generation of financial auditing: improving efficiency, accuracy, and depth of analysis. I will implement a grant program and provide technical expertise for local governments to modernize and implement technology that is transparent and shows accountability at all levels of government. Helping local governments implement technology to manage assets more effectively and efficiently will produce saving that are returned to the taxpayers in the form of of property tax relief.I would take the politics out of the office. The Auditor should be solely focused on the data and facts of any given audit or investigation. So it won't matter to me if someone is a Republican, a Democrat, or an Independent; if they are stealing from the Iowa taxpayer, I will seek them out and hold them accountable. I realize this will not make me popular with some members of my own party sometimes, but I'm not running for Auditor to make friends, I'm running to be the Taxpayer Watchdog and look out for the Iowa taxpayer, regardless of political affiliation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My policy focus centers on economic revitalization and future-readiness. I am a champion for rural development, specifically through the Empower Rural Iowa initiative, where I advocate for housing and community growth.

I also lead efforts in STEM education, focusing on creating career pathways in high-demand technical fields. This intersects with my commitment to Manufacturing 4.0, where I promote the adoption of advanced technology and employee ownership models to keep Iowa’s industries competitive.

Finally, my work reflects a deep interest in fiscal modernization, including tax restructuring and property tax reform to ensure the state’s budget remains sustainable and pro-growth where government efficiencies drive smaller government.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Governor Kim Reynolds, US Senator Joni Ernst, Congressman Randy Feenstra, Iowa State Senators Jack Whitver, Ken Rozenboom, Jeff Reichman, Tom Shipley, Dave Rowley (and wife Dickenson County Treasurer Kris Rowley), Carrie (Koelker) Driscoll, Kara Warme, Tim Kraayenbrink, and Former Senator Tom Greene. Iowa House Representatives: Barb Kniff McCulla, Dr. Steve Bradley, Norlin Mommsen, Gary Mohr, Mike Vondran, Blaine Watkins, and Former Rep. Steve Olson

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