Topic overview
In brief
- Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed as the new CDC director by the US Senate on August 5, 2026.
- Her confirmation follows a year without a permanent leader at the CDC, which has faced significant public health challenges.
- Schwartz's leadership is expected to restore trust in the agency and address ongoing health crises.
Summary
On August 5, 2026, the US Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a 51-44 vote. This confirmation comes nearly a year after the agency was left without a permanent leader following the ousting of Dr. Susan Monarez due to disagreements over vaccine policies with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Schwartz, who previously served as deputy surgeon general and has a strong background in public health, is stepping into a role that has seen significant turmoil and leadership changes in recent years.
The CDC has faced numerous challenges, including a nationwide outbreak of measles and a Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce. Schwartz's confirmation is seen as a critical step in restoring leadership and public trust in the agency, which has lost thousands of employees amid layoffs and resignations. During her confirmation hearings, Schwartz assured senators that she would prioritize public health and stand up to political pressures regarding vaccine policies, a concern raised by several lawmakers, including Senator Bill Cassidy.