They Worked To Protect Public Health. Now They Want the Public’s Votes.

Several former public health officials from across the United States are running for key statewide positions in the upcoming November elections, hoping their expertise in dealing with health crises will resonate with voters. These Democrats are capitalizing on a time when the Trump administration has reduced funding for scientific research, restricted vaccine access, and made health insurance more challenging for some Americans.

Shaughnessy Naughton, head of 3.14 Action, a PAC that backs science- and health-oriented Democratic candidates, notes that such a surge of public health leaders running for office is unusual but understandable given the current political climate.

Among those vying for top positions is Xavier Becerra, who served as HHS secretary under President Biden. As the most prominent ex-health official running, Becerra narrowly won his primary and faces a Republican opponent, Steve Hilton, in the general election. As HHS secretary, Becerra prioritized expanding access to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, leading to record enrollment.

However, his tenure was marked by controversy over handling migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border and the dramatic increase in Medicaid recipients. Becerra has since declared his intention to govern California as a "healthcare governor," echoing a strategy employed by outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom since 2019.

Another candidate is Amy Acton, who led Ohio's health department throughout the pandemic. Acton earned praise for her calm demeanor and transparent communication with the state's Republican governor, Mike DeWine, through daily news conferences dubbed "Wine With DeWine." Yet, her strict advice to stay home, wear masks, and close businesses has earned her the nickname "Dr.

Lockdown" from her Republican rival, Vivek Ramaswamy, who has capitalized on the economy's prominence in voters' minds. Thus, while the pandemic-era health officials' experience may be appealing to many, it could also backfire, as voters weigh the pros and cons of their approach to pandemic management.