Chris Cournoyer
Christine S. Cournoyer is an American politician who has served as the 48th lieutenant governor of Iowa since December 2024, having replaced Adam Gregg, who resigned from the role in September 2024. A member of the Republican Party, Cournoyer previously served as an Iowa state senator from the 35th District from 2019 to 2024.
On April 28, 2025, Cournoyer filed paperwork to run for Iowa State Auditor in the 2026 election. Governor Reynolds endorsed her.
Early life and career
Cournoyer was born in 1970 in Dallas, Texas.She received a BA degree in 1992 from University of Texas, Austin, in computer science. Cournoyer worked as a website designer at Andersen Consulting, before becoming self-employed.
She also previously served as the president of the Pleasant Valley Community School District School Board.
Political career
Iowa State Senate
Cournoyer was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018 and was re-elected in 2023.During her tenure, she held key leadership positions, including chairing the Education Budget Committee, where she oversaw the allocation of funds for Iowa's educational institutions. Additionally, she served as vice chair of the State Government Committee, playing a crucial role in shaping state government policies and procedures. Cournoyer has also served on several committees, including the Education Committee as vice chair, the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, the State Government Committee, the Transportation Committee, the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, the Early Childhood Iowa State Board, and the Research and Development School Advisory Council.
Lieutenant Governor of Iowa (2025–present)
On December 16, 2024, Kim Reynolds announced her nomination of Cournoyer to be the next lieutenant governor of Iowa and was sworn in by Chief Justice Susan Christensen later that day.2026 Iowa State Auditor race
On April 28, 2025, Cournoyer filed paperwork to run for Iowa State Auditor in the 2026 election. Governor Reynolds endorsed her. She had helped Governor Reynolds, while in the Iowa Senate, to reduce the executive-level cabinet agencies from 37 to 16.Controversies and ethics complaint
In December 2024, Scott County sheriff Tim Lane filed an ethics complaint against Chris Cournoyer, alleging harassment, improper disclosure of confidential information, and misuse of such information for personal or political purposes. The complaint stemmed from Cournoyer's alleged involvement in handling information related to the dismissal of a Scott County sergeant, Josh Wall, who had conducted an unauthorized investigation into Lane's wife, Jennifer McAndrew, a supervisor for the Iowa Department of Corrections.The complaint accused Cournoyer of accessing and disseminating confidential information provided by Wall before forwarding it to Iowa attorney general Brenna Bird. Lane claimed this violated ethical standards and potentially compromised the integrity of sheriff's office disciplinary processes. The Scott County Civil Service Commission upheld Wall's dismissal, citing procedural violations in his investigation of McAndrew.
Lane also alleged that Cournoyer introduced Senate File 2014 during the 2024 legislative session in retaliation for Wall's dismissal. The bill proposed requiring external oversight for investigations involving employees who are immediate family members of a county sheriff. While the bill failed to advance, Lane claimed it targeted his office without prior consultation.
In May 2024, Cournoyer published a letter in the Quad-City Times criticizing Lane's leadership and endorsing his opponent, Chris Laye, in the Republican primary for Scott County sheriff. Lane alleged that Cournoyer was heavily involved in Laye's campaign and that Wall served as Laye's campaign manager and accountant.
Despite the Iowa Senate Ethics Committee rejecting Lane's complaint on procedural grounds, Lane indicated plans to pursue the matter further, potentially through the Office of Ombudsman. The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy has also subpoenaed information related to Wall's certification as a police officer.
In 2018, found Cournoyer at the center of controversy surrounding Pleasant Valley School District and the National Rifle Association. Before becoming the PVCSD Board President in 2018, Chris Cournoyer applied for the “Friends of the NRA” grant with the assistance of other parent volunteers. The grant provided the newly instated Pleasant Valley trap team with $14,851 worth of shooting sport supplies.
In Cournoyer's application, she pledged that if given the grant Pleasant Valley School District would "help to advocate for the 2nd amendment through responsible gun ownership by law abiding citizens, thereby increasing the number of supporters for pro-gun legislation." However, clearly stated in school district policy, “Pleasant Valley will not be an advocate for a political agenda.” When revisiting the document, Mike Zimmer, PVHS principal at the time, acknowledged the statement's wrongful placement in the application, stating “That is not even allowed.” Cournoyer acknowledged she included such a statement in order to secure the grant.
In response to the 2018 shooting in Parkland, Fla., businesses and schools across the country were cutting ties with the NRA. Nevertheless, Cournoyer didn't see the need to cut such ties. She stated in 2018 around the discovery of the grant, “There is nothing at this point that would take off the table.”
This incident in the PV school district and larger Quad Cities community about Cournoyer's ethics, and the lines she is willing to step over for personal gain.