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Valerie McCray

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Valerie McCray
Image of Valerie McCray

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments
Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Arsenal Tech High School

Ph.D

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2000

Personal
Birthplace
Indianapolis, Ind.
Religion
Non-denominational Christian
Profession
Psychologist
Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Campaign YouTube

Campaign TikTok

Valerie McCray (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Indiana. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

McCray completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Valerie McCray was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. McCray graduated from Arsenal Technical High School. She earned a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Michigan in 2000. McCray's career experience includes working as a clinical psychologist with Reset Psychological Services, the clinical director of MHM Services, Inc., and the lead psychologist with Correctional Medical Services.[1][2][3]

Elections

2024

See also: United States Senate election in Indiana, 2024

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Indiana

Jim Banks defeated Valerie McCray, Andy Horning, Phillip Beachy, and Antonio Alvarez in the general election for U.S. Senate Indiana on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Jim Banks
Jim Banks (R)
 
58.6
 
1,659,416
Image of Valerie McCray
Valerie McCray (D) Candidate Connection
 
38.8
 
1,097,061
Image of Andy Horning
Andy Horning (L) Candidate Connection
 
2.6
 
73,233
Image of Phillip Beachy
Phillip Beachy (Independent) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
168
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Antonio Alvarez (Independent) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
19

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 2,829,897
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Indiana

Valerie McCray defeated Marc Carmichael in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Indiana on May 7, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Valerie McCray
Valerie McCray Candidate Connection
 
68.0
 
121,734
Image of Marc Carmichael
Marc Carmichael Candidate Connection
 
32.0
 
57,256

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 178,990
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Indiana

Jim Banks advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Indiana on May 7, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Jim Banks
Jim Banks
 
100.0
 
475,729

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 475,729
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Indiana

Andy Horning advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Indiana on March 2, 2024.

Candidate
✔
Image of Andy Horning
Andy Horning (L) Candidate Connection

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for McCray in this election.

2022

See also: United States Senate election in Indiana, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Indiana

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate Indiana on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Todd C. Young
Todd C. Young (R)
 
58.6
 
1,090,390
Image of Thomas McDermott Jr.
Thomas McDermott Jr. (D)
 
37.9
 
704,480
Image of James Sceniak
James Sceniak (L)
 
3.4
 
63,823
Image of Danny Niederberger
Danny Niederberger (Independent) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.1
 
1,294
Image of Haneefah Khaaliq
Haneefah Khaaliq (Independent) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
148
Image of Phillip Beachy
Phillip Beachy (Independent) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
7
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
David Storer (Independent) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
7
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Antonio Alvarez (Political Synergy Party) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
3
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Thomas Baer (Independent) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
2

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 1,860,154
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Indiana

Thomas McDermott Jr. advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Indiana on May 3, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Thomas McDermott Jr.
Thomas McDermott Jr.
 
100.0
 
173,466

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 173,466
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Indiana

Incumbent Todd C. Young advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Indiana on May 3, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Todd C. Young
Todd C. Young
 
100.0
 
372,738

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 372,738
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Indiana

James Sceniak defeated William Henry in the Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Indiana on March 5, 2022.

Candidate
Image of William Henry
William Henry (L) Candidate Connection
✔
Image of James Sceniak
James Sceniak (L)

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2020

Presidency

See also: Presidential candidates, 2020

Former Vice President Joe Biden (D) won the presidential election on November 3, 2020. Biden received 306 electoral votes and President Donald Trump (R) received 232 electoral votes. In the national popular vote, Biden received 81.2 million votes and Trump received 74.2 million votes.


Presidential election, 2020
 
Candidate/Running mate
%
Popular votes
Electoral votes
✔
Image of
Image of
Joe Biden/Kamala D. Harris (D)
 
51.3
 
81,282,632 306
Image of
Image of
Donald Trump/Mike Pence (R)
 
46.9
 
74,223,234 232
Image of
Image of
Jo Jorgensen/Spike Cohen (L)
 
1.2
 
1,864,873 0
Image of
Image of
Howie Hawkins/Angela Nicole Walker (G)
 
0.3
 
402,795 0
Image of
Roque De La Fuente (multiple running mates) (Alliance Party)
 
0.1
 
88,214 0
Image of
Gloria La Riva (multiple running mates) (Party for Socialism and Liberation)
 
0.1
 
84,905 0
Image of
Image of
Ye/Michelle Tidball (Independent)
 
0.0
 
67,906 0
Image of
Image of
Don Blankenship/William Mohr (Constitution Party)
 
0.0
 
59,924 0
Image of
Image of
Brock Pierce/Karla Ballard (Independent)
 
0.0
 
49,764 0
Image of
Image of
Brian T. Carroll/Amar Patel (American Solidarity Party)
 
0.0
 
35,260 0
Image of
Image of
Alyson Kennedy/Malcolm Jarrett (Socialist Workers Party)
 
0.0
 
6,791 0
Image of
Image of
Bill Hammons/Eric Bodenstab (Unity Party)
 
0.0
 
6,647 0
Image of
Jade Simmons (multiple running mates) (Independent)
 
0.0
 
6,534 0
Image of
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Jerry Segal/John de Graaf (Bread and Roses)
 
0.0
 
5,949 0
Image of
Image of
Dario David Hunter/Dawn Neptune Adams (Progressive Party)
 
0.0
 
5,394 0
Image of
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Phil Collins/Billy Joe Parker (Prohibition Party)
 
0.0
 
4,844 0
Image of
Image of
Jesse Ventura/Cynthia McKinney (Green Party of Alaska)
 
0.0
 
3,284 0
Image of
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
President Boddie/Eric Stoneham (C.U.P.)
 
0.0
 
3,171 0
Image of
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Joe McHugh/Elizabeth Storm (Independent)
 
0.0
 
2,843 0
Image of
Image of
Mark Charles/Adrian Wallace (Independent)
 
0.0
 
2,662 0
Image of
Sheila Tittle (multiple running mates) (Independent)
 
0.0
 
1,806 0
Image of
Image of
Connie Gammon/Phil Collins (Independent)
 
0.0
 
1,475 0
Image of
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
J.R. Myers/Tiara Lusk (Life and Liberty)
 
0.0
 
1,372 0
Image of
Image of
Tom Hoefling/Andy Prior (Independent)
 
0.0
 
1,241 0
Image of
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
H. Brooke Paige/Thomas Witman (Grumpy Old Patriots)
 
0.0
 
1,175 0
Image of
Image of
Christopher Lafontaine/Michael Speed (Independent)
 
0.0
 
856 0
Image of
Kyle Kenley Kopitke (multiple running mates) (Independent)
 
0.0
 
815 0
Image of
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Ricki Sue King/Dayna Chandler (Genealogy Know Your Family History Party)
 
0.0
 
546 0
Image of
Image of
Princess Khadijah Maryam Jacob-Fambro/Khadijah Maryam Jacob Sr. (Independent)
 
0.0
 
497 0
Image of
Image of
Blake Huber/Frank Atwood (Approval Voting Party)
 
0.0
 
409 0
Image of
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Joseph Kishore/Norissa Santa Cruz (Socialist Equality Party)
 
0.0
 
317 0
Image of
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Richard Duncan/Mitch Bupp (Independent)
 
0.0
 
213 0
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Jordan Marc Scott/Jennifer Tepool (Independent)
 
0.0
 
175 0
Image of
Image of
Gary Swing/David Olszta (Boiling Frog)
 
0.0
 
141 0
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Keith McCormic/Sam Blasiak (Bull Moose)
 
0.0
 
126 0
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Zachary Scalf/Matthew Lyda (Independent)
 
0.0
 
29 0
  Other write-in votes
 
0.1
 
183,207 0

Incumbents are bolded and underlined The results have been certified.

Total votes: 158,402,026

0 states have not been called.


Campaign themes

2024

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia
Released 2024-03-14

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Valerie McCray completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McCray's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I am running for Senate because after 25 years as a psychologist, working with our military, working in prisons, working with our youth that are being traumatized by violence, I came to the hard realization that we can not fix these problems one mental health crisis at a time. We need a Psychologist in Congress that understands how U.S. policy profoundly effects the mental well-being of our people. We have to make mental health a priority
  • The right of a woman to make autonomous decisions about her own body/reproductive functions is at the core of her basic human rights to equality, medical privacy, & bodily integrity. I will push for legislation that protects access nationally to abortion with FDA-approved medication/procedures & defend access to emergency medical care & everyday reproductive care. Affordable contraception to anyone who wants and needs it. Safeguard the privacy of patients/providers & ensure they have accurate information and legal resources necessary. For those choosing to grow their family, ensure they have adequate access to resources and for pay for quality of life.
  • Equitable, quality healthcare SHOULD BE a fundamental right for all people; not a privilege for the wealthy few. Millions of Americans are one bad diagnosis away from going broke. It’s time for a system that is focused on patients, not profits. In Congress, I will be committed to finding constructive ways to improve our nation’s health care system, expand access to quality and affordable health care, and reduce costs for middle-class families no matter their income, race, gender, zip code, or medical diagnosis. I will make it a priority to end abusive pricing practices by the pharmaceutical industry and give patients a break at the pharmacy counter. I will support increases for health and science research
  • Affordable housing is a right and a necessity and is significant in building the foundation for a better Indiana. Housing costs are significant factor contributing to homelessness, financial instability, housing insecurity, and extreme stress for many individuals and families. Everyone should have a safe, affordable place to sleep and raise their families. When I’m in Congress, I will focus on ways to ensure housing remains accessible and affordable for middle class families.
Reversing Citizens United - we need to get dark money out of politics so our politicians can be free to represent people and not corporations. Once we get dark money out of politics we can address so many other issues. Tax reform, for example so that taxation is redirected to support the needs of all of the people of this country and not just the 1%. Other issues related are campaign finance reform, sensible gun legislation, our judicial system and prisons, addressing climate-change initiatives, public-interests that have been privatized such as health care and public education.
Human rights are non-negotiable. We need policy to change the structures that discriminate against Americans due to their race, gender, socio-economic status etc.
There is no single person that my mind stills on. There are aspects of thousands that inspire me. Mark Cuban has inspired me for opening a transparent pricing pharmaceutical company. I love Jimmy Carter for his Habitat For Humanity efforts after his Presidency.
I enjoy the Heather Cox Newsletters, and Robert Reich.
Vision to create a more equitable future for all, integrity to work on behalf of the constituents and not for corporations or personal interests, and accountability for their actions or lack thereof.
Empathy, compassion, and the ability to understand and communicate effectively with individuals from all walks of life has been the cornerstone of my 35-year psychology career. I have advocated for and been the voice of many individuals who were not given a voice in the healthcare systems, prison systems, and beyond.

I am able to have tough conversations with people and get to the bottom of what they are communicating and feeling.

Over my career, I have prioritized and focused on crucial action items, while multitasking and ensuring that important work is getting done promptly and efficiently. I accomplish this by communicating and delegating effectively.

Lastly, I am fierce, resilient and courageous. These foundational qualities will make me the next U.S Senator to represent the great state of Indiana. It is my mission to make life better for all of us.
One of the most important responsibilities for someone elected to this office is to know and understand the needs of the constituents, to represent them at the federal level. It's imperative for someone in this position to provide a voice for those who don't have the ability to advocate for themselves, and also to hold politicians accountable. This can only happen through regular and meaningful engagement with constituents.

This includes being accessible to ALL constituents, regardless of disability, race, or gender identification. Regardless of political affiliation, intellectual ability, language preference, or even access to Internet. Every constituent deserves opportunity and has the right to be heard. A U.S. Senator should provide services and assist constituents with navigating issues with federal agencies. It isn't enough to simply hear what people have to say. It is the responsibility of a U.S. Senator to swiftly respond to their concerns; not just with words, but with relentless ACTION.

A key responsibility of a U.S. Senator and Member of Congress involves drafting and introducing laws that provide lasting solutions to the issues faced by the American people. As the legislative body of government, Members of Congress have the responsibility of enacting the laws that govern our society.

Congress plays a vital role in maintaining checks and balances within the government. This role is critical in ensuring that no one side becomes too powerful, or has the potential to operate outside the confines of The Constitution, which can have disastrous effects. U.S. Senators must work together, despite their differences, to make important decisions on issues that affect the daily lives of Americans and people around the world. The U.S. Senate must also tactfully work to oversee foreign policy.

A U.S. Senator must be proactive, as well as prepared to react strategically when appropriate and necessary. They must be prepared for opposition and
would change the 13rth amendment. We incarcerate more of our citizens than other other countries in disproportionate amounts based on race and socioeconomic status. While it abolished slavery, in the same breath it continued to enslave those who have been imprisoned. We can see this in how the prison industrial complex and the school-to-prison pipeline continue to provide free-labor for this country, without incentive for true rehabilitation or incorporating people back into society.
The day that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated was a devastating moment in history during my childhood. Though I was only 8 or 9 years old at the time, I’ll never forget that day. People around the country felt a range of emotions; especially those who had been fighting for civil rights and were desperate for change. From that day on, I knew I wanted to be a part of what makes this country, and the world, a better place for all of us.
Throughout high school, I worked for Baker’s Shoes.
Start with Why, by Simon Sinek; because I think it can help us all be more introspective about why we do the things we do, and ultimately what mark we want to leave on the world.
Queen Ramonda, played by Angela Bassett in the movies Black Panther, Avengers, and others. The character exemplifies fierceness, integrity, and eloquence.
Happy” by Pharrell Williams.
Becoming a single mother presented several challenges for me, as I was faced with the everyday stressors of making ends meet while providing the most supportive, well-rounded upbringing possible for my son, Ryan. Through the hardships, I stayed resilient and focused on the bigger picture, as I knew it was crucial to both our futures.

With lots of hard work and perseverance, I was able to earn a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. The opportunities afforded to me through a quality education led to my 35 years in the field of psychology. I’ve had the honor of working with our veterans struggling with PTSD, incarcerated individuals in desperate need of support and rehabilitation, youth struggling to overcome the effects of violence, and more.

The unyielding persistence that is so deeply ingrained within me has also led me to become the FIRST ever Black woman to be on the Indiana ballot for U.S. Senate. This feat was not without obstacles, but I’ve remained focused and dedicated to the tasks at hand, which will continue when I am elected as U.S. Senator.
The potential dismantling of the progress that has been made in this country is a serious challenge that must be faced over the next decade. There's also a growing concern about how misinformation and disinformation has can interfere with our political landscape and media. Finding common ground on solutions that will unite all American people and allow us to work together, as opposed to against each other, can help combat these challenges. Politicians who are divisive and destructive pose a significant threat to democracy and should not be permitted to thrive.
I think the people should be able to decide who they want to represent them, and term limits have the potential to suppress that choice.
Equal representation, filibuster, the ability to impeach, and the ability to ratify constitutional amendments are some of the unique qualities of the U.S. Senate.
Standing firm on the non-negotiables and understanding where there can and cannot be flexibility is crucial. Our freedom, healthcare, workers’ rights, housing and food affordability, among other very important issues, simply cannot be compromised on any longer. However, bipartisanship is also important in working toward common-sense legislation, and that sometimes involves making compromises. These compromises, however, should never be detrimental to the people, environment, or vital progress.
When used appropriately, the filibuster can provide a layer of assurance that important issues can be debated thoroughly before legislation is passed. However, this same tool can be weaponized and used without legitimate cause, which can hinder the functioning of the democratic process by overthrowing the will of the majority. Additional measures should be taken to ensure this issue does not persist.
I wouldn't necessarily model myself after one in particular, but I could learn something from most of them.
Why was the math book sad? Because it had too many problems.
I would consider their background, qualifications and experience, their track record of cases and how they handled them, whether or not they have a history of operating in true fairness and objectivity, and appropriately applied laws. I would also strongly consider their legal expertise and knowledge.
We are all people at the end of the day, regardless of the many things that can make us all feel so far apart. I would build relationships with other senators that foster a willingness to hear the other side of issues. I will engage in respectful dialogue on issues, whether or not we agree, while staying true to my principles and commitments to my constituents.
Standing firm on the non-negotiables and understanding where there can and cannot be flexibility is crucial. Our freedom, healthcare, workers’ rights, housing and food affordability, among other very important issues, simply cannot be compromised on any longer. However, bipartisanship is also important in working toward common-sense legislation, and that sometimes involves making compromises. These compromises, however, should never be detrimental to the people, environment, or vital progress.
The U.S. Senate should use its investigative powers ethically and in accordance with our Constitution and laws. The Senate must ensure accountability of the government and conduct inquiries into matters of public concern.
would consider their background, qualifications and experience, their track record of cases and how they handled them, whether or not they have a history of operating in true fairness and objectivity, and appropriately applied laws. I would also strongly consider their legal expertise and knowledge.
Health, Education, Labor & Pensions

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

McCray’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Women's Rights To Reproductive Care
The right of a woman to make autonomous decisions about her own body/reproductive functions is at the core of her basic human rights to equality, medical privacy, & bodily integrity.

I will push for legislation that protects access nationally to abortion with FDA-approved medication/procedures & defend access to emergency medical care & everyday reproductive care. Affordable contraception to anyone who wants and needs it. Safeguard the privacy of patients/providers & ensure they have accurate information and legal resources necessary. For those choosing to grow their family, ensure they have adequate access to resources and for pay for quality of life.

Healthcare & Mental Health For All
Equitable, quality healthcare SHOULD BE a fundamental right for all people; not a privilege for the wealthy few. Millions of Americans are one bad diagnosis away from going broke. It’s time for a system that is focused on patients, not profits.

In Congress, I will be committed to finding constructive ways to improve our nation’s health care system, expand access to quality and affordable health care, and reduce costs for middle-class families no matter their income, race, gender, zip code, or medical diagnosis. I will make it a priority to end abusive pricing practices by the pharmaceutical industry and give patients a break at the pharmacy counter. I will support increases for health and science research to invest in tomorrow’s cures.

Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is a right and a necessity and is significant in building the foundation for a better Indiana.

Housing costs are significant factor contributing to homelessness, financial instability, housing insecurity, and extreme stress for many individuals and families. Everyone should have a safe, affordable place to sleep and raise their families.

When I’m in Congress, I will focus on ways to ensure housing remains accessible and affordable for middle class families.

Breathable & Beyond Subsistence Wages & Union Support
The laboring class is speaking, and we need to listen. We must support worker’s rights! In America, if you work full-time, you should be able to support your family with a living wage that gives you breathing room, above subsistence.

You should be able to take your family to the local museum for a cultural awareness activity or be members of the local community center for fitness and activity. However, far too often, employers are more focused on returning profits to the wealthy shareholders and executives than doing the right thing for American workers.

I will push for legislation to stop shipping jobs overseas, start sharing corporate profits appropriately, and provide support to all Unions.

Tax Reform
Tax cuts for the wealthy have led to increasingly shameful economic inequality and massive reduction in government revenue. All the while, the rest of America struggles with inflection and increased interest rates, proposals to decrease social programs, Medicare, and Social Security. This is an insult to hard-working Americans.

From Congress, I will push legislation that ensures we tax billionaires their fair share and stop increasing the tax burden on the middle class.

Economy & Fighting For The Middle Class
Yes, the US Economy has grown and added millions of jobs with core inflation moving down towards pre-pandemic metrics; and that’s great news. BUT this is not enough! if every member of Congress spent just 2 months trying to live on minimum wage, it would not take 12 years to get a minimum wage increase.

When I’m in Congress, I will focus on restoring economic security for the middle class-and those working their way up to middle class–by passing legislation that rewards hard work with fair wages, expands apprenticeships and job training, and builds on manufacturing growth. I will taken on hidden junk-fees that companies use to rip of consumers and hold corporations accountable for price gouging (especially at our most vulnerable times).

Student Loan Debt Reduction
Student loan debt has crippled a significant portion of the working class. The economic burden of high interest rates taken on by our young people exceeds that of “forgiveness” programs.

The least we can do is untie the economic straight jacket of our people with student loans. We can remove all interest on student loans, provide income-driven grants for graduate students, and subsidize costs of books and digital access to materials.

Immigration Reform
First, we need to get the facts straight and bust these myths that America doesn’t need immigrants or that immigrants drain our system and don’t pay taxes. In fact, 75% of American say immigration is a good thing for the country and we need immigrants for our aging population. Also, immigrants have contributed more to society in taxes than they’ve taken in terms of public assistance. Most immigrants don’t take jobs away; it’s the opposite—their spending creates economic demand, creating more jobs. Both legal and undocumented immigrants are significantly less likely to commit crimes than people born in the US; and the majority of drugs in America are NOT brought in at the border. We must stop using immigration as a scapegoat for America’s problems—this fear mongering is subjecting immigrants to exploitation, trafficking, neglect, and cruelty.

When I’m in office, I will focus on comprehensive immigration reform legislation and will work to push bipartisan efforts without watering down our democratic values. I will push for expedited work permits for those already here because we have to speed up the process. I will push for fairer and more efficient process for asylum claims and additional immigrant visas for families and workers—while we have policies and action in place, we aren’t here to dehumanize and tear apart families. And I will side with efforts to increase funding for more immigration judges, asylum officers, border patrol agents, and equipment. Finally, I am a proponent of the President having the ability to shut down the border when/if the system is overwhelmed.

Foreign Policy
Our values at the national level are inconsistent. On one hand, we support Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence against Russia; but on the other hand, we enable the death and destruction of Palestinian people and the constant encroachment of their land.

We’re losing the respect of the global community because of this hypocrisy. We can’t pick and choose when and if to impart our values.

My solution is to implement policy and foreign relations that value ALL human life—applied equally. I understand that because of historical trauma, there is a need for safety of Jewish people, but it shouldn’t be at the expense and security of the Palestinians. An immediate ceasefire and a return to a commitment for a 2-state solution is a must.

LGBTQIA+ Rights / Equality For All
All Americans should have the right to freely be themselves and marry who they want without the government stepping in to tell them if they can or not.

I will proudly fight against measures that aim to criminalize and punish members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I will support the right for all Americans to marry who they want, regardless of their gender, and will fight against efforts to revoke marriage equality. I will fight against bills that aim to discriminate against members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Military & Veterans
Our military fights for us every day, and Dr. McCray will fight for them.

We owe it to the brave members of our military -active duty and reserve, in action, or here at home – to support their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Early Childhood Education
We owe it to our children and our communities to provide every child with a high-quality education, regardless of race or zip-code.

I strongly believe in the long-term returns that come with investing heavily in early childhood care and education, which is not possible without fighting for our educators and teachers.

There are models we can draw from that use funding sources from government, both state and federal, and private enterprise, to provide needed funds to already existing programs. I will support legislation rooted in evidence-based programs and pedagogical approaches, including assessment methods that consider the well-being of the whole student and recognize the range of ways students can demonstrate learning. I will support funding for public education, and fight against voucher and charter school programs that only funnel money into private entities without any measurable educational benefit. Finally, I will support wraparound health care and nutrition services, before- and after-school programs

Energy & The Environment
We only have one Earth, and with an ever increasing demand for energy we must do all we can to protect and preserve what natural resources we have.

We must pursue relentless research and development to find ways to produce cleaner energy and try to reverse the damage to our planet from climate change.

I recognize the incredible need to fund the research needed to help make our energy generation more efficient and our environments healthier and safe. I will fight for corporate accountability measures aimed to reduce pollution across the globe and in our backyards. I will prioritize legislation that makes significant investments in the technology and workforce development needed to combat climate change.

Bi-Partisan Efforts
As Senator, I will meet/confer with my colleagues on all sides of the political spectrum.

Although we’re more polarized than ever, it’s still possible to have productive conversations about political beliefs. If we focus on PEOPLE over politics, we are closer to finding common ground. If we stick the facts/avoid confrontation (if possible), we can be an advocate, rather than an opponent.

With that said, I will not water down or forsaken MY democratic values. Ultimately, human rights are non negotiable. The decision of whether marginalized groups should receive assistance, support, or advocacy should not be based on which party happens to be in power at the time. Politicians should uphold rights of all people, not just a few.[4]

”
—Valerie McCray’s campaign website (2024)[5]

2022

Candidate Connection

Valerie McCray completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McCray's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Dr. Valerie McCray is a psychologist and lifelong Hoosier. She is hoping to advance communities throughout Indiana by seeing all policies through a Mental Health lens. A livable wage, universal healthcare, education, and climate change are central to her platform.
  • Livable Wage
  • Universal Healthcare
  • Climate Change
Medicare for All and Education Reform
I look up to Carol Moseley Braun. Her leadership and grace magnified the party when she encouraged progressive education agenda and she campaigned for gun control.
Unbought and unbossed by Shirley Chisolm.
Integrity and knowledge of policy.
I possess honesty and integrity.
Core responsibilities include studying the policy, considering constituents, and making sound decisions.
Legacy of first and inspire a generation of women to run.
Death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I was in the third grade at School #37.
Baker's Shoes
All books!
Bewitched
This girl is on fire by Alicia Keys
Health coverage has been a struggle in my life.
Greatest challenge is ensuring confidence in government affairs and policy surrounding Gun Violence.
It has the ability to decide the direction of our great nation. In it's halls our freedoms are derived.
No, their unique American experience and background that will add to the conversation.
I hold two views on the filibuster, the filibuster is destroying bipartisanship, however I'm afraid that if the filibuster is removed we will be at the mercy of our decision.
Pass basic security and mental clearances.Professional area of expertise or advanced education.
Environment and Public Works, Foreign Relations, Ethics, and Veteran's Affairs.
N/A
Carol Moseley Braun
What do you call a hall full of lawyers? The U.S. Senate.
I would evaluate a judicial nominee by education, familial ties, and Constitutional interpretation.
Respect and accountability to my colleagues.
Compromise is the American way.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

McCray's campaign website stated the following:

“

Medicare for all, better care for all:

We know there is a direct link between health and quality of life. It follows there would be a link between mental health and quality of life.

Pharmaceutical Cost

No one should have to choose between paying rent and paying for life-saving medicine like Insulin or any other medication.

Reproductive Rights

The United States Constitution protects every American. And the United States Supreme Court ruled to protect a Woman's Right to Body Autonomy.

A Breathable Wage

If every member of Congress spent just 2 months trying to live on minimum wage it would not take 12 years to get a minimum wage increase.

Tax Reform

It is time for us to balance our budget and live within our means. That is going to mean we must all pay our fair share.

End Credit Reporting

For far too long, credit reporting agencies have caused many Americans to turn to predatory options or left them in more financial peril. It's time we find new[4]

”
—Valerie McCray's campaign website (2022)[6]

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Valerie McCray campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* U.S. Senate IndianaLost general$134,823 $126,565
2022U.S. Senate IndianaDisqualified primary$15,242 $12,772
2020President of the United StatesLost general$14,936 $16,356
Grand total$165,001 $155,693
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also

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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 21, 2021
    2. ↑ LinkedIn, "Valerie McCray," accessed March 16, 2022
    3. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 30, 2024
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    5. ↑ Valerie McCray’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed April 17, 2024
    6. ↑ Dr. Valerie McCray for U.S. Senate, “Home,” accessed March 7, 2022


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