BOSTON — The National Association of Social Workers – Political Action for Candidate Election (NASW-PACE) today announced its endorsement of Ed Markey for re-election to the United States Senate.

NASW-PACE is the fourth national group to endorse Senator Ed Markey’s re-election just this week. Senator Markey earlier this week also secured the support of Daily Kos, the Human Rights Campaign, and Foreign Policy for America.

“The National Association of Social Workers-Political Action for Candidate Election (NASW-PACE) is proud to endorse Senator Ed Markey in his re-election campaign in Massachusetts,” said Mary Jane Lundgren, MSW, RN, and Chair of NASW-PACE. “Throughout his 44-year career in the U.S. House and Senate, Senator Markey has been a champion for social workers and the millions of clients we serve, including vulnerable populations within and outside Massachusetts. Most recently, he led the charge to ensure audio-only telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Sen. Markey is hard working and connected to the people of Massachusetts.”

NASW-PACE’s backing comes at a key moment in the primary race. With the first round of mail-in ballots already sent out, voters and organizations are clearly responding to Senator Ed Markey’s re-election message, proving he’s a progressive leader with the track record and bold ideas we need now.

Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers represents 110,000 professional social workers who provide critical mental health services and help serve vulnerable and marginalized populations.

“Social workers provide essential services every day. They protect our children, improve public health, and empower individuals and their families,” said Senator Ed Markey. “Police officers and our broken prison system aren’t equipped to address mental health crises and substance abuse. Social workers are. That’s why we need to shift funding towards community services and ensure that the social workers who provide them receive the health care, wages, and benefits they deserve. I’m proud to have their support, and will continue to fight for them, for community services, and for all vulnerable populations in the United States Senate.”

An original co-sponsor of Senator Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All Act of 2017, Ed Markey believes that health care is a human right. He is a strong supporter of home and community based services, and introduced the Independence at Home program to enable seniors to receive primary care services within their homes where they’re most comfortable. In a recent Q&A with incarcerated people at the South Bay House of Correction, Senator Markey emphasized the need to invest in mental health institutions and services.

Senator Markey has served in the United States Senate since winning the special election in 2013 and has amassed a deep record on environmental, climate, gun safety, and consumer protection issues. He co-authored the Green New Deal, and his leadership has led to legislation to address the humanitarian crisis on the southern border, protect LGBTQI rights, and ensure that Donald Trump cannot launch a nuclear first strike without Congressional approval. Raised in Malden, Ed Markey has always stood up for the priorities of Massachusetts.

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