Eric Cantor, a former U.S. House majority leader, has been named president and chief executive officer of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), according to multiple outlets.
Cantor previously served as a Republican member of the House, where he held the position of majority leader, before moving into the pharmaceutical lobbying role.
STAT reported that Cantor is taking on the position at what it described as a challenging time for the pharmaceutical industry.
Outlets across the political spectrum confirmed the appointment, though details on the timing of his start or the process leading to his selection were not specified in the available reports.
How each side covered it
Left
- Politico highlighted Cantor's past role as House majority leader in describing his new lobbying position.
“Pharma's new top lobbyist is a former House majority leader” — Politico
Center
- STAT noted Cantor is joining PhRMA at a challenging time for the pharmaceutical industry.
- Axios reported the appointment naming Cantor as PhRMA president and CEO.
“Cantor is taking the role at a challenging time for the pharmaceutical industry.” — STAT
Right
- The Washington Times and Breitbart both identified Cantor by his former title of House majority leader.
- The Daily Caller referenced a description of being at the 'cutting edge of science and technology' in its coverage.
“'cutting edge of science and technology'” — The Daily Caller
Questions readers ask
Who is Eric Cantor?
Eric Cantor is a former U.S. House majority leader who has now been named president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
What is PhRMA?
PhRMA, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, is a major lobbying organization representing the pharmaceutical industry.
Why does this appointment matter?
According to STAT, Cantor is taking over PhRMA's leadership at a challenging time for the pharmaceutical industry, making his lobbying and political experience significant for the sector.
What did outlets across the political spectrum focus on?
Left-, center-, and right-leaning outlets all focused on Cantor's background as a former House majority leader and his new role leading PhRMA, with center outlets additionally noting industry challenges he faces.
Sources · 8 outlet reports
- Common DreamsLeft-leaning'A Match Made in Hell': Former GOP House Leader to Head Big Pharma Lobby
- PoliticoLeft-leaningPharma's new top lobbyist is a former House majority leader
- AxiosCenterEric Cantor, former House leader, named PhRMA president and CEO
- STATCenterSTAT+: PhRMA taps Eric Cantor as new CEO
- BreitbartRight-leaningEric Cantor Announced to Serve as President, CEO of PhRMA Organization
- Independent Journal ReviewRight-leaningEric Cantor Takes The Helm Of Drug Lobbying Giant PhRMA
- The Daily CallerRight-leaningOne Of The Biggest Swamp Creatures Takes The Helm Of Drug Lobbying Giant PhRMA
- The Washington TimesRight-leaningFormer House majority leader named CEO of major pharma lobbying group