Senate Confirms Erica Schwartz as CDC Director to Lead Battered Health Agency

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, filling a year-long leadership void at an agency beset by steep workforce losses and political friction.

In a 51-44 vote, lawmakers approved the 54-year-old physician and attorney, making her the 22nd leader of the Atlanta-based public health authority. Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general and executive within the U.S. Coast Guard, steps into the position as the agency grapples with the loss of more than 3,000 employees—over a quarter of its workforce—driven by layoffs and resignations.

The confirmation follows months of Senate scrutiny regarding federal health oversight under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, R-La., initially questioned during a confirmation hearing last month whether Schwartz would resist potential directives from Kennedy unsupported by scientific standards. Cassidy later backed her appointment following private discussions and consultations with her colleagues.

Schwartz represents the third presidential nominee for the top CDC role in 18 months. President Donald Trump’s initial choice, former Florida congressman Dr. David Weldon, saw his Senate confirmation hearing canceled an hour before its scheduled start in March 2025 when supporters failed to secure sufficient votes. His successor, Susan Monarez, was confirmed after serving as acting director but was terminated by administration officials in less than a month over disagreements regarding executive agenda alignment.

Since Monarez’s departure, the front office has been run by a succession of acting HHS officials and political appointees lacking medical or public health training.

“Now, Dr. Schwartz needs to prove that her leadership will serve science and not the whims of politicians. CDC needs a Director who will protect public health workers, defend evidence-based guidance, and refuse any directive that would undermine public safety,” said the National Public Health Coalition, an organization of former and current CDC workers, in a statement Wednesday.

Public health experts noted that Schwartz, who was nominated in April, was chosen directly by Trump rather than Kennedy, a prominent anti-vaccine figure appointed to lead HHS.

“With all the turmoil of the past two years, the CDC desperately needs stability, experienced leadership and a steadfast commitment to science,” said Dr. Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association, in a statement Wednesday.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding Schwartz’s start date or official salary. Her confirmation leaves several key federal leadership positions open across public health agencies, including the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. surgeon general.