Republicans across the country are targeting National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci in campaign ads ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, Politico reports.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., a vocal critic of Fauci, recently released an ad endorsing Ohio GOP Senate candidate Mike Gibbons in a video noting his support for firing the nation's top expert on infectious disease.
"I've stood strong against the mandates of Dr. Fauci, but I need help. That's why I'm endorsing Mike Gibbons for Senate," Paul says in the ad. "I know Mike Gibbons will join me in demanding that Fauci is immediately fired and removed from office."
Another Ohio GOP Senate candidate, Jane Timken, released an ad last fall saying, "Let's fire Fauci and take back our freedoms."
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida put out an ad saying, "Fauci can pound sand," and offering "freedom over Fauci flip-flops."
Pennsylvania GOP Senate candidate Mehmet Oz also released an ad attacking Fauci, saying: "The big government medical establishment came after me because I dared to challenge Fauci on COVID."
Fauci's office did not respond to Politico's request for comment, but he previously said before the Senate Health Committee that Paul's frequent attacks and allegations, which Fauci denies, encourage "the crazies" to send death threats to him and his family.
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.