The National Association of Social Workers Political Action for Candidate Election (NASW-PACE) has voted unanimously to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the 47th President of the United States.

“Vice President Harris is a shining example of America's promise. Her presidential bid is historic in many ways, and it's clear that she is the most qualified person in the race.” said NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C. “She is a proven champion for the people, and the lives of social workers and those we serve will be better under her leadership. I am confident that Vice President Harris will continue to invest in mental health and lead the nation through our current mental health crisis…. I call on every member of NASW and all social workers to vote for, organize with, and elect Vice President Kamala Harris as our 47th President "

President Joe Biden endorsed Harris after he announced his decision July 21 to exit the 2024 presidential race. NASW and NASW Virginia expressed gratitude to Biden for Biden’s half-century of public service and all that the Biden-Harris administration accomplished during the last four years.

In its endorsement of Harris, NASW noted that the vice president “has been a consistent advocate for social justice, addressing systemic issues that align with social work principles such as equity, diversity, and inclusion. She has worked to stop hate crimes and advance LGBTQ+ equality. Her efforts in criminal justice reform, including her support for measures to reduce mass incarceration and implement police reform, directly affect the communities that social workers serve.”

“Voter turnout and registration will be continue to be critical in DC,” said Virginia Chapter Executive Director Debra Riggs. “In this historic election, social workers must do more than simply vote themselves. They must help register and energize their colleagues, family, and friends to get them to the polls; to counter the disinformation and misinformation that abounds about voter laws and Vice President Harris; and to actively educate others about the severity of what’s at stake in terms of human rights and freedoms, and the very system of democracy in this country.”

She urged all social workers to check their voter registrations and stay abreast of the latest voting rights news and common voting questions.