Senate Medical Affairs holds confirmation hearing for Dr. Edward Simmer to lead Department of Public Health

Dr. Edward Simmer, the governor's nominee to continue as director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health, appeared before the Senate Medical Affairs Committee on Oct. 12, 2025, to answer questions about his record, policy views and recent controversies surrounding the agency.

In opening remarks and a prepared statement, Dr. Simmer, who was first confirmed by the full Senate on Feb. 4, 2021, after receiving a 40–1 vote from that body, defended his stewardship of the agency, disputed what he called “outrageously false allegations,” and outlined accomplishments and plans for DPH. “We inform, you decide,” he said, encapsulating his stated approach to public-health recommendations.

The hearing matters because DPH sets statewide public-health priorities and guidance for a population of more than five million residents; the committee’s advice-and-consent role will determine whether Simmer remains the agency’s leader during planned expansions such as a new public-health laboratory and mobile services.

Simmer summarized his background and rebutted a range of criticisms. He described himself as “a board certified medical doctor licensed in South Carolina” who served more than 30 years in the U.S. Navy and said he “strongly support[s] medical freedom and the sanctity and value of the physician‑patient relationship.” He repeatedly stated that he has…