Eric Hargan was officially confirmed by the Senate on a 57-38 vote yesterday afternoon.
Hargan’s confirmation comes at a crucial time for HHS, which has relied on career staffer Don Wright to lead the agency since Tom Price resigned as secretary on Friday. Secretary Price’s recent exit helped accelerate the consideration of HHS nominees. Hargan will likely serve as acting secretary until Price’s replacement is confirmed. No word on who will take that position.
Hargan has served in several roles at HHS before between 2003 and 2007, including Acting Deputy Secretary, before leaving government work to serve as a lawyer in Chicago. Hargan also served on the Trump transition team for HHS.