As Nov. 5 approaches, Pennsylvania voters are preparing to cast their ballots for the state's next auditor general. This crucial position, often described as the commonwealth's "chief fiscal watchdog," plays a vital role in monitoring public spending and ensuring accountability in state government. The race has drawn increased attention this year, highlighting the importance of financial oversight in an era of complex public spending and heightened scrutiny of government operations.

The contest features five candidates vying for the position, including incumbent Republican Tim DeFoor, who is seeking a second term. Challenging DeFoor is Democratic state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, along with three third-party candidates: Alan Goodrich of the Constitution Party, Libertarian Reece Smith, and Eric K. Anton of the American Solidarity Party. This diverse field of candidates offers voters a range of perspectives on how the office should function and what priorities it should pursue.

The role of the auditor general

The auditor general's office is tasked with a wide range of responsibilities crucial to maintaining the fiscal integrity of Pennsylvania's government. At its core, the office conducts financial and performance audits of state departments, universities, and courts. These audits serve as a critical check on government spending, helping to identify inefficiencies, prevent fraud, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.

Beyond routine audits, the office also investigates reports of misuse or waste of state funds. This investigative function allows the auditor general to dig deep into potential issues, uncovering problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. The office also provides valuable financial literacy resources through initiatives like Be Money Smart, helping Pennsylvanians better understand and manage their finances.

While many of the office's audits are mandated by law, such as those of volunteer fire companies and municipal pension plans, the auditor general also has the discretion to issue special reports on policy issues beyond the traditional scope of the office. This flexibility allows the officeholder to address emerging concerns and contribute to broader policy discussions affecting the state.

Historical context and election details

The position of auditor general has a long and storied history in Pennsylvania. Created in 1809 as a politically appointed office, it transitioned to an elected position in 1850. Over the years, 50 individuals have held the title of auditor general, with 41 of them chosen by popular vote. The political balance has been relatively even, with 25 Republicans and 22 Democrats occupying the office throughout its history. The remaining three officeholders belonged to now-defunct third parties, reflecting the evolving political landscape of the state.

Elected to a four-year term, the auditor general is limited to a maximum of two consecutive terms. This term limit ensures fresh perspectives while allowing for continuity and the development of expertise. The upcoming election on Nov. 5 will determine who will next take on this critical role.

The candidates

The Democratic candidate, Malcolm Kenyatta, brings a progressive voice and historic candidacy to the race. At 34, the Philadelphia native made history in 2018 as the first openly LGBTQ person of color to serve in the General Assembly. Elected at just 28, he was one of the state's youngest representatives at the time. Kenyatta's background includes community activism and work on diversity and inclusion efforts at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.

Kenyatta's platform for the auditor general's office is ambitious and wide-ranging. He proposes creating a Bureau of Labor and Worker Protections to investigate wage theft and union busting, and to ensure businesses comply with labor laws. He also plans to resume responsibility for annual school compliance audits, a function that was transferred to the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2022. Additionally, Kenyatta has pledged to ensure hospital nonprofits and long-term care providers disclose their use of state dollars and to review the state's approach to reducing gun violence.

Throughout his career, Kenyatta has been an outspoken progressive, supporting a higher minimum wage, stricter gun laws, and LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections. His national profile has risen in recent years, having served as a surrogate for President Biden's 2020 campaign and currently chairing a Presidential Advisory Commission on educational equity for Black Americans.

Kenyatta's campaign has garnered significant support, including endorsements from the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, various unions including the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, the Working Families Party, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, and several members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation and state legislature.

Incumbent Tim DeFoor, 62, is running on his record as the current auditor general. Elected in 2020, DeFoor made history as the first person of color to win a state row office in Pennsylvania and the first Republican to hold the auditor general position since 1997. His background includes experience as a special agent for the state attorney general's office investigating Medicaid fraud, as well as roles as a fraud investigator and internal auditor for UPMC and federal contractors. Prior to his current position, DeFoor served as Dauphin County Controller from 2015 to 2020, where he won national awards and created the county's first audit division.

During his first term, DeFoor has focused on the office's required functions, such as auditing local pension plans and volunteer firefighters' relief associations. He also conducted a high-profile audit of the pandemic business waiver program implemented under former Governor Tom Wolf, finding the program to be confusing and flawed. DeFoor's tenure has not been without controversy; his decision to close the bureau that audited schools led to 11 layoffs and the transfer of those responsibilities back to the state Department of Education.

Looking ahead to a potential second term, DeFoor's campaign promises include cutting "wasteful government spending" to protect taxpayers and strengthen the economy, and increasing transparency to ensure taxpayer dollars used in state programs are working effectively. He has secured endorsements from the Pennsylvania Republican Party, the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, and business groups such as the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry.

The race also features three third-party candidates, each bringing unique perspectives to the campaign. Erik Anton, running for the American Solidarity Party, hails from Dauphin County. While details about his specific platform are limited, his party's philosophy emphasizes Christian tradition and the common good in governance.

Alan Goodrich, the Constitution Party candidate, is a Tioga County resident who runs a private Christian school. A 25-year Army veteran who retired as a lieutenant colonel, Goodrich brings a background in military service to his candidacy. This is not his first foray into politics; he previously ran for this office in 2012 but dropped out before Election Day, and he unsuccessfully ran for county commissioner last year.

Libertarian candidate Reece Smith, a recent graduate of Allegheny College and financial planning intern based near Pittsburgh, represents a youthful perspective in the race. Smith's platform includes promises to increase local government audits, with a specific focus on reviewing spending within the governor's office and among legislative leaders. He also pledges to hold regular press conferences to review audit results, aiming to keep the public informed about how their tax dollars are being spent.