Dr. Valerie McCray, a proud native of Indianapolis, Indiana, is a graduate of Arsenal Technical High School. She pursued higher education at the University of Michigan, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, culminating in a Ph.D. in Psychology in 2000. While navigating life as a single mother, she balanced her academic ambitions with raising her son, Ryan, who is now married to Barbara. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is a devoted dog mom to Apollo, a German Shepherd, and Maya, a Husky pup.
Before stepping into the political arena, Dr. McCray had a distinguished career in clinical psychology. She served as a psychologist for Reset Psychological Services, and later became the clinical director of MHM Services Inc. Her expertise in mental health led her to a leadership role as the lead psychologist for Correctional Medical Services, where she advocated for incarcerated individuals in need of mental health care.
In 2024, Dr. McCray made history by announcing her candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in Indiana, becoming the first Black woman to run for this office in the state. As a lifelong Hoosier, she is driven by her desire to serve the people of Indiana and bring a fresh, compassionate perspective to Washington.