CDC No. 2 steps down amid HHS shake-up

The Hill

by Joseph Choi

February 23, 2026

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that Principal Deputy Director Ralph Abraham has resigned from his position after just three months due to "unforeseen family obligations." Abraham, who previously served as Louisiana's surgeon general, joined the CDC in February 2023 but stepped down on May 8, leaving the agency without a permanent second-in-command. His departure comes during a period of significant upheaval at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which has seen multiple leadership changes under the current administration. The timing of Abraham's resignation raises questions about the stability of CDC's senior leadership. His exit follows a turbulent few months for HHS, including the abrupt departure of former Acting Secretary Elizabeth Héron and ongoing tensions between the agency and political appointees. This shuffle in leadership has left many wondering how it will impact the CDC's ability to address critical public health issues, such as the ongoing monkeypox outbreak and other pressing health crises. Abraham's brief tenure at the CDC was marked by his experience in state-level public health, including his work during the COVID-19 pandemic. His resignation leaves a significant gap in the agency's leadership structure, which could hinder its ability to respond effectively to emerging health threats. The absence of a permanent Principal Deputy Director raises concerns about coordination and decision-making within the CDC. This latest departure underscores broader challenges facing HHS and the CDC under the current administration. Leadership instability can have far-reaching consequences for public health initiatives, policy implementation, and trust in federal health agencies. As Abraham's resignation highlights, the ongoing shake-up at HHS not only affects agency operations but also has implications for the nation's ability to address critical health challenges. For those closely following politics and public health, Abraham's departure is a notable development in an already volatile political landscape. The ripple effects of this leadership change could be felt across the federal government's health agencies, impacting everything from disease prevention efforts to healthcare policy. As HHS continues to grapple with its leadership vacuum, the implications for public health

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Originally published on The Hill on 2/23/2026