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Mississippi Health Officer Considered for CDC Director Role
Dr. Daniel Edney, a vaccine proponent, is under consideration to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:10pm
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Dr. Daniel P. Edney, Mississippi's state health officer and head of the Mississippi State Department of Health, is now under serious consideration to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as its new director, according to a report in The Washington Post. Edney has served in the role of MSDH chief since 2022 and has championed vaccines and supported robust immunization mandates for children during his tenure.
Why it matters
Edney's potential appointment as CDC director would come at a time of national struggle over the role of the agency in promoting public health. The current HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has drawn criticism for his handling of the CDC, including the firing of former director Dr. Susan Monarez.
The details
Edney, formerly the president of the Mississippi State Medical Association, stepped into the role as state health officer as the agency transitioned from its focus on the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing Mississippi's overall health outcomes, which have traditionally been some of the worst in the nation. Under Edney's leadership, Mississippi's overall health ranking has improved from the bottom of the pack to No. 48, and the state has also curbed some of its rates for STDs like syphilis.
- Edney has served as Mississippi's state health officer since 2022.
- The deadline for the CDC director search is rapidly approaching, with current director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya's interim appointment expiring on Thursday.
The players
Dr. Daniel P. Edney
Mississippi's state health officer and head of the Mississippi State Department of Health, who is now under serious consideration to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as its new director.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya
The current interim director of the CDC, whose appointment is expiring on Thursday.
Dr. Ernie Fletcher
A former Kentucky governor who is reported to be a front-runner in the CDC director leadership search.
Dr. Joseph Marine
The vice-director of cardiology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, who is also reported to be a front-runner in the CDC director leadership search.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The current Health and Human Services Secretary, whose tenure at the CDC has drawn criticism from many former directors of the agency.
What they’re saying
“Even under pressure, I could not replace evidence with ideology.”
— Dr. Susan Monarez, Former CDC Director
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Thursday whether or not to allow Dr. Edney to be appointed as the new CDC director.
The takeaway
Edney's potential appointment as CDC director would come at a critical time, as the agency navigates a period of national debate over its role in promoting public health. His track record of championing vaccines and supporting robust immunization mandates in Mississippi could make him a controversial choice, given the current HHS Secretary's approach to the CDC.
