PACE_Missouri _1_

Political Action for Candidate Election

Established in 1980, Missouri PACE is the political arm of the National Association of Social Workers - Missouri Chapter. NASW-MO PACE fosters the participation of interested members to elect candidates who support NASW's public policy goals. PACE is a bipartisan political committee dedicated to advancing social worker's goals in campaigns and elections.

Who Is PACE?
YOU!
Through PACE, social workers like you supporting progressive candidates and volunteering to work in campaigns of PACE-endorsed candidates.

How Do We Accomplish Our Goals?
Political Action is the key.
The involvement of thousands of social workers working together can dramatically increase our influence and power in the political process. With your commitment and support, we can strengthen the voice of social work in the halls of Congress and on the floor of the State Legislature. You can be part of the PACE team by:

  • volunteering to work for PACE-endorsed candidates
  • serving on the state PACE committee
  • helping candidates for public office build ties to the social work community by sponsoring candidate forums

Contribute to NASW-MO PACE

NASW-MO PACE contributions are used to support state candidates who support NASW and NASW-Missouri Chapter's policy agenda through fundraisers and campaign contributions. NASW-MO PACE is funded by donations from members - no membership dues directly contribute to the PACE. 

Contribute here: Make A Donation!

Get involved with your NASW-MO PACE

Getting involved with PACE is one of the most direct ways to shape the future of our profession. Social work touches nearly every policy debate in Missouri, from licensure to funding for the programs our clients depend on, and the candidates we elect determine which direction those debates go. Whether you join the PACE committee or volunteer your time for one of our endorsed candidates, you're helping make sure social workers have a voice in that process. If you're interested, express your interest here and we'll follow up with next steps.

2026 Endorsements:

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NASW-MO PACE has finalized its endorsements for the 2026 Missouri General Assembly elections. After reviewing candidate questionnaires, voting records where they exist, and public statements, the committee is backing seven candidates who share our commitment to behavioral health access, licensure protections, and a strong social work workforce.


Keri Ingle — Senate District 8

Stacey Hagen — House District 111


Susan Hoisington — House District 17


Matt Vitale — House District 96

Katelyn Zach — House District 133

Kennedy Moore — House District 73

Elizabeth "Lilly" Fuchs — House District 80


An endorsement from NASW-MO PACE isn't automatic. It comes out of a real vetting process: candidates complete a questionnaire on the issues that matter to our profession, and the committee reviews their record before making a recommendation. These seven candidates earned that support.

How You Can Help

Endorsements only carry weight if we back them up. Here's how members can support the slate between now and November:
       Volunteer. Let the campaign know if you're willing to knock doors, phone bank, or help with events for a specific candidate.
       Spread the word. Share this list with colleagues and friends, especially if you live in one of these districts.
       Donate to a Campaign. Our endorsed candidates need the resources to fight back - even small dollar donations make a huge difference 
       Give to PACE. Every dollar to NASW-MO PACE goes directly toward supporting endorsed candidates like these. Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/nasw-mo-pace-1

NASW-MO PACE endorsements reflect the information available to the committee at the time each endorsement was made and are subject to change. A candidate who is not currently endorsed has not been rejected by NASW-MO PACE; it simply means an endorsement has not been made at this time. NASW-MO PACE may issue additional endorsements, including in currently unendorsed races, as the 2026 election cycle continues. NASW-MO PACE reserves the right to reevaluate or withdraw an endorsement at any time based on new information.


Upcoming Events:

 

 

 


PACE EVENT

Click to register!

 

 

2026 NASW-MO Candidate Questionnaire 

Thank you for your interest in seeking endorsement from the NASW-Missouri Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) Committee. This questionnaire is designed to help the committee better understand your background, policy positions, and commitment to issues that impact social workers, the individuals and families they serve, and the broader Missouri community. Responses will be reviewed as part of NASW-MO's endorsement process and will assist the committee in evaluating alignment with NASW's mission, values, and legislative priorities.


Fill Out The Form Here 


Paid for by National Association of Social Workers Missouri Chapter Political Action for Candidate Election, LeAnn Lawlor, Treasurer

This solicitation benefits National Association of Social Workers Missouri Chapter Political Action for Candidate Election (NASW-MO PACE). 100% of your contribution will be received by the committee.