December 12, 2025
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — On the heels of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) rolling back guidance on the childhood vaccines, South Carolina is experiencing a devastating measles outbreak. Over the weekend, the outbreak has accelerated, with hundreds of children and teenagers in quarantine—the vast majority of them are unvaccinated.
A new poll commissioned by 314 Action Fund found that 72% of South Carolina voters say they are very concerned or somewhat concerned about the current measles outbreak in the state.
“RFK Jr., aided and abetted by Senator Lindsey Graham, is directly to blame for the measles outbreak in South Carolina,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action. “After spending his career lining his pockets with anti-vax money, RFK Jr. is weaponizing his position to put millions of children in danger. Senator Graham had the chance to block his confirmation, but he sold out South Carolinians in support of RFK Jr.”
South Carolinians are ready for change, with 60% of voters agreeing that it’s time for someone new in the Senate. With just under a year left, Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, is within 6 points of Senator Graham—well within striking distance.
Naughton continued, “RFK Jr.’s shadow is following candidates around the country. Voters know they can’t trust any Republican who endorses his anti-science policies or who stays silent. RFK Jr. is a political liability—and 314 Action will continue to lead the fight against him. We’re recruiting and fielding doctors and scientists, like Dr. Annie Andrews, to run for office to combat his reckless anti-science agenda in Washington. If we don’t elect pro-science candidates, this measles outbreak is just the beginning.”
314 Action is working with a record number of STEM candidates running for office in 2026. In response to RFK Jr.’s attacks on science and health care, 314 Action launched Guardians of Public Health, a first-of-its-kind $25 million initiative to elect 100 new doctors to federal, statewide, and gubernatorial offices by 2030.
314 Action is the only national organization working to elect scientists across all levels of government—from the Senate down to local school boards. The organization is powered by a grassroots community of over six million people supporting scientists, doctors, and STEM professionals who will use science and facts to address our most pressing issues like climate change and health care.
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