Measles is spreading in South Carolina. Could it make people vote for a pediatrician?

February 12, 2026

Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and Democrat, is challenging four-term Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina, making the state's severe measles outbreak a central campaign issue. With over 900 measles cases reported in South Carolina since fall 2024—part of a national surge exceeding 700 cases—Andrews connects the outbreak to health misinformation spread by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Who is affected

Dr. Annie Andrews and her three school-aged children living in South Carolina
Children in South Carolina, particularly over 900 measles cases since fall 2024, with more than 240 cases involving children under age 5
Children under 1 year old who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine
Mothers of school-aged children who form Andrews' supporter base
South Carolina residents in rural health care deserts
Patients Andrews treats at the children's hospital dealing with food insecurity, asthma, lack of mental health resources, and gunshot wounds
Americans who lost enhanced ACA subsidies and face higher premiums
Sen. Lindsey Graham (political opponent)
200 doctors who have applied to run for office through 314 Action

What action is being taken

Dr. Andrews is running for U.S. Senate against Sen. Lindsey Graham
Andrews is balancing her campaign with working at a children's hospital and parenting while commuting between Charleston and Washington, D.C.
Andrews is using social media to address health misinformation and provide public health guidance about measles
Andrews is campaigning with health care as a central focus, particularly the measles outbreak
314 Action is running a recruitment campaign to elect doctors, nurses, and public health experts to office
Andrews added an FAQ page on her campaign website focused on measles and related resources for parents
The Trump administration and Kennedy's HHS department have made changes to the childhood vaccine schedule

Why it matters

This race represents a critical intersection of public health and politics during a public health crisis. The United States is on the brink of losing its measles elimination status after averaging 180 cases annually since 2000, with four times as many cases reported in 2025. The measles outbreak exemplifies how health misinformation and policy decisions at the federal level have direct, dangerous consequences for communities, particularly vulnerable children. The race also reflects a broader trend of medical professionals entering politics in response to health policy concerns, with Americans increasingly viewing healthcare costs and public health decisions as crucial voting issues—75 percent of voters say healthcare costs will impact their midterm votes. Andrews' candidacy as a pediatrician addressing an outbreak in real-time brings unique credibility to debates about vaccine policy, healthcare access, and the politicization of public health guidance.

What's next

Both Andrews and Graham are heavily favored to win their primaries in June
The general election will take place in the 2026 midterm elections
Andrews will continue balancing her Senate campaign with her work at the children's hospital and co-parenting responsibilities

Read full article from source: The 19th