A growing measles outbreak threatens to become a political liability for Republicans ahead of November's midterm elections. The US has recorded 4,588 confirmed measles cases as of October 22 — double the total for all of 2025 and the highest since 1991 — with three deaths matching last year's toll. The country is expected to lose its WHO measles elimination status next month. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr's vaccine scepticism contrasts sharply with polling showing 77% of Republicans express confidence in the MMR vaccine, and roughly 80% support childhood vaccines generally. Republican pollster Whit Ayres warns Kennedy's stance "runs overwhelmingly against the strongly held view of public opinion."
Despite the surge, Republican-led states are moving to loosen vaccine mandates. Florida has proposed dropping four school vaccine requirements, with Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo — a Ron DeSantis appointee — framing it as parental rights. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in a tight Senate race, has investigated healthcare companies over vaccine payments. Two children died of measles in Texas last year. Democrats are seizing on the issue as Kennedy's public position on MMR remains unclear to many Americans.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing