New Jersey Lawmakers Grill Health Commissioner Nominee on Vaccines, Federal Funding

Raynard Washington, an epidemiologist from North Carolina, faces questions from state Senate panel on key public health issues.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:51pm

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Raynard Washington, Gov. Mikie Sherrill's pick to lead New Jersey's Department of Health, was unanimously approved by a Senate panel after facing questions from lawmakers on a range of topics including hospital funding, the cost of healthcare, and the state's vaccine policy. Washington, an epidemiologist from North Carolina, highlighted the challenges the state will face under federal funding cuts and policy changes championed by the Trump administration.

Why it matters

The confirmation of the new health commissioner comes at a critical time, as New Jersey navigates uncertainty around federal healthcare funding and policies that could impact the state's public health programs and vaccine initiatives.

The details

During his testimony, Washington pledged to continue using the best scientific evidence when making decisions, and vowed to protect access to vaccines for children in New Jersey. He also addressed concerns raised by lawmakers about recent changes to the state's vaccine reporting system and the department's shift away from relying solely on CDC guidance.

  • On March 12, 2026, a Senate panel voted unanimously to advance Gov. Mikie Sherrill's nomination of Raynard Washington as New Jersey's new health commissioner.
  • The full Senate is expected to vote on Washington's confirmation.

The players

Raynard Washington

An epidemiologist and public health expert from Charlotte, North Carolina, who has been nominated to lead New Jersey's Department of Health.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill

The governor of New Jersey who nominated Raynard Washington to be the state's new health commissioner.

Sen. Paul Sarlo

A Democratic state senator from Bergen County who chairs the Senate Budget Committee and questioned Washington about the impact of federal funding cuts on hospital funding.

Sen. Kristin Corrado

A Republican state senator from Passaic County who asked Washington about recent changes to the state's vaccine reporting system.

Maria Quigly

A public advocate for vaccine choice who testified before the Senate panel, echoing concerns raised by Sen. Corrado.

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What they’re saying

“The work of public health has never been more urgent. We are navigating unprecedented uncertainty from our federal partners.”

— Raynard Washington, Nominee for New Jersey Health Commissioner (New Jersey Monitor)

“In this moment, we must continue to stand firmly with established medical evidence — especially as political ideology threatens our nation's immunization system, one of the most successful public health achievements in modern history.”

— Raynard Washington, Nominee for New Jersey Health Commissioner (New Jersey Monitor)

“The reality is, our goal is to protect access to vaccines for children in New Jersey.”

— Raynard Washington, Nominee for New Jersey Health Commissioner (New Jersey Monitor)

What’s next

The full New Jersey Senate is expected to vote on Raynard Washington's confirmation as the state's new health commissioner in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The confirmation of Raynard Washington as New Jersey's new health commissioner comes at a critical time, as the state navigates uncertainty around federal healthcare funding and policies that could impact public health programs and vaccine initiatives. Washington's commitment to using the best scientific evidence and protecting vaccine access for children will be crucial as he takes on this role.