Democrat Quentin Wilson is running for Missouri auditor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election against Republican incumbent Scott Fitzpatrick and Libertarian Dustin Coffell.

Asked why he is running, Wilson said in our questionnaire: "One of the problems we have today is one party in control of all aspects of state government. That is unhealthy, One party should not police itself." He added: "During my time in state government, we won awards and were ranked #1 in government performance. Since then, the state has fallen to 31st nationally and now faces a $2 billion budget deficit."

Candidate information

Party: Democratic

Education: "I earned my BA from The George Washington University, and my MBA from St. Louis University," Wilson said.

Family: "Married with children and blessed with grandchildren as well."

Experience and public service

Wilson said in our questionnaire: "My experience to serve as Missouri State Auditor includes having served as Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue, Governor's Cabinet Director, Deputy Director of Economic Development, State Commissioner of Higher Education, as an aide to three Congressmen, and being a published author. I also served as a Distinguished Executive with George Washington University's School of Public Policy and Administration."

Wilson said he has "never run for political office."

He worked for Democratic Governors Mel Carnahan and Bob Holden, KCUR reported.

Asked about accomplishments, Wilson said in our questionnaire: "I led numerous initiatives in the State of Missouri to improve performance and reduce cost. … Achievements under my direction included cost savings, developing and implementing the first statewide strategic plan for economic development, focusing on technology and workforce development and, as Missouri's Director of Revenue, becoming the first department in state government to receive the Baldrige-based Missouri Quality Award."

On the issues

On audit priorities, Wilson said: "I would like to create a Missouri Government Accountability Office, MO-GAO which would extend beyond audits looking at when money might run out. … MO-GAO will look forward. We'll take on big systems that matter to everyday life—healthcare, childcare, infrastructure, public safety—and apply proven quality and performance principles to them."

On enforcement, Wilson said: "Criminal conduct should be turned over to prosecutors, the FBI, or Highway Patrol immediately. In cases of repeated violations, informing the public and news media is usually sufficient to catch their attention."