Erica Schwartz confirmed as first Black woman CDC director

The United States Senate has confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a 51–44 vote. Schwartz, 54, becomes the 22nd director in the agency’s history and the first Black woman to lead the organization.

Schwartz brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as a U.S. Public Health Service rear admiral and Deputy Surgeon General. Her confirmation follows a period of significant instability at the CDC, which has operated without a permanent director since August 2025. The agency has faced severe challenges, including a loss of over 3,000 employees—nearly one-quarter to one-third of its workforce—due to layoffs, resignations, and low morale.

The appointment comes amid urgent public health concerns, including a surge in measles cases and a cyclosporiasis outbreak. During her confirmation process, lawmakers raised questions regarding her ability to maintain scientific integrity amidst political pressures from the administration. Schwartz expressed her commitment to the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ agenda following the vote.