State Auditor 2026 — Iowa Voter Guide

About the Office

The Iowa State Auditor is Iowa's independent fiscal watchdog, elected to a four-year term. The Auditor reviews financial operations of state and local government, conducts performance audits, and investigates allegations of mismanagement or fraud.

In plain terms: this office is supposed to provide independent oversight of how state and local governments spend taxpayer dollars, regardless of which party controls those governments. Recent legislation has limited what auditors can investigate, making this race a debate over what the office should be.

Race at a Glance

Race Type

Open Seat

Term Length

4 Years

Sand Vacancy

Running for Governor

Election Day

Nov 3, 2026

This is an open seat since incumbent Rob Sand is running for Governor. Chris Cournoyer, formerly Lt. Governor, is the Republican nominee. Taylor Wettach is the Democratic nominee.

The Candidates

Each candidate's positions are drawn from primary sources: campaign communications, voting records, debates, and direct interviews.

Chris Cournoyer (R)

Republican nominee · Former Lt. Governor of Iowa

Bio

Lives in LeClaire, Iowa. Background in technology and business. Served as Iowa State Senator before being named Lt. Governor in 2024.

Career

Former Iowa State Senator. Named Lt. Governor of Iowa in 2024 when Adam Gregg departed for a position at the Iowa Bankers Association. Background in technology sector and small business.

Primary Issues

Limiting Audit Scope

Position not fully developed publicly; generally supports the 2023 legislation that limited the Auditor's investigative authority.

Government Efficiency

Has emphasized streamlining government and reducing administrative burden as a general theme.

Tech-Focused Government Modernization

Background in technology informs her interest in modernizing state government systems.

Position on Wettach's Priority Issues

Restoring Auditor Independence

Position unclear; has not publicly committed to restoring the audit authority limited by the 2023 law.

Cross-Partisan Investigations

Has not articulated a specific position on the office's role in investigating Republican-controlled state agencies with the same vigor as Democratic ones.

Endorsements

Republican Party of Iowa

Taylor Wettach (D)

Democratic nominee · (Background details pending verification)

Bio

Democratic candidate for Iowa State Auditor. Detailed biographical information not yet widely reported; campaign positions developing.

Career

Professional background and career details to be expanded as the campaign progresses.

Primary Issues

Restoring Auditor Independence

Top campaign priority expected: undoing the 2023 legislation that limited the Auditor's authority to investigate state agencies.

Independent Fiscal Oversight

Continuing Rob Sand's legacy of bipartisan oversight, investigating waste and fraud regardless of which party controls the audited agency.

Transparent Government Spending

Expected emphasis on transparency in how state agencies spend taxpayer dollars.

Position on Cournoyer's Priority Issues

2023 Audit Restrictions

Strongly opposes the 2023 legislation limiting Auditor authority; sees it as undermining the office's independence.

Tech Modernization

Position not central to campaign; generally supportive of efficient government operations.