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

They’re known for touting pandemic precautions, Affordable Care Act plans, and testing for lead in schools. This year, some former public health officials are touting themselves — for governor or senator.

By: Phil Galewitz, Christine Mai-Duc and Amanda Seitz

Outlets: KFF Health News

Published: July 31, 2026

Words: 1,499

Last Updated: 3 days, 10 hours ago

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A handful of former public health officials are campaigning for top statewide offices across the country, testing whether their experience with covid and other hot-button health issues will appeal to voters in November.

The officials, all Democrats, are running at a time when the Trump administration is reducing government funding for scientific research, restricting access to some vaccines, and making it more difficult for some Americans to obtain health insurance.

Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 3.14 …

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