Alex Lee

Alex Lee was born in San Jose, California. Lee earned an undergraduate degree from the University of California at Davis in 2017. His career experience includes working as a legislative policy advisor for the California State Senate and California State Assembly.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Alex Lee (李天明) represents California’s 25th Assembly District which includes the Alameda County communities of Fremont and Newark, and the Santa Clara County Communities of Milpitas, San Jose, and Santa Clara.

Assemblymember Lee was elected in 2020 and became the youngest Asian American legislator ever elected and first openly bisexual state legislator in California history at the age of 25.

In his first year in office, championed universal healthcare, renters rights, criminal justice reform, social housing, and a wealth tax on billionaires. He was named “Legislator of the Year'' by the Golden State Manufactured Home Owners League as well as the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

Previously, he worked on statewide policy regarding public safety, climate change, and education for California State Senator Henry Stern and Assemblymember Evan Low. Lee has been a Bay Area resident since birth and called both San Jose and Milpitas his home for all his life. He is a graduate of Milpitas High School and the University of California, Davis, where he served as Student Body President.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I was born and raised in this community, so I saw firsthand the effects of the skyrocketing price of housing. I am fighting for more affordable housing and renters protections.We are the only campaign not accepting corporate interest money in this race, so I am accountable to you - the people.As your current State Assemblymember, I continue to fight to guarantee healthcare for all.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about creating housing solutions to tackle our housing crisis and increasing government transparency through election reform.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My home is here in the Bay Area. Growing up, I saw more and more families struggling to build a future here. The rising cost of living is pushing friends and families around us farther away. Today I am running so we can fight for our home. I am committed to bringing affordable housing, investments in education, expanded transit, and climate adaptations to the Bay Area.

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After advocating and working in the State Capitol, I know I'm equipped to represent my community and develop policies to combat one of the greatest issues facing the Bay Area: the housing affordability crisis.

​I am more than just a bold vision- I have served in the State Assembly and Senate as a legislative policy advisor where I developed the legislative knowledge and leadership skills necessary to excel in the Assembly from day one. Assembly District 25 deserves a new generation of leadership and I am ready to fight for our future.

If you live in the cities of Fremont, Santa Clara, San José, Milpitas, and Newark, I hope to earn your vote and represent us.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Fix the Housing Affordability CrisisReinvest in Public Education Eliminating Corporate Influence in Politics

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

• Comprehensively address the housing crisis and homelessness

• Re-invest in California education

• Build ecologically sustainable communities

• Improve transportation infrastructure

• Taking back democracy from corporate interests

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Bernie Sanders; he has a long history of integrity and progressive values that does not bend with what is just popular at the time. He has worked tirelessly to create a movement that is about bringing our democracy back to the people and not for corporate special interests.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Doctor Who (tv series) - problem solving and helping people via wit and kindness not violence

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity (not behold to special interests and stands up for their values)

Listens (actively listens to the reasonable input of community members and advocates)

Policy Smart (can understand state legislative process)

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Humility, active listening, quick learner, and strong empathy

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To fight for a more just society, represent their communities, and make the best public policy for California

What legacy would you like to leave?

Making CA a more affordable, sustainable, and livable place to live for future generations

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The terror attacks of 9/11

I was six years old

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Legislative Policy Advisor for State Senator Henry Stern (2017-2019)

What is your favorite book? Why?

"All Quiet on the Western Front" by Erich Maria Remarque

A succinct yet profound anti-war novel. Highly recommend

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The Doctor from "Doctor Who"

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"A Moment Apart" by ODESZA

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I've struggled with expressing authentically my identities of being Asian American, LGBTQ, and coping with mental illness.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

Term lengths and ideology. The State Assembly has shorter terms and is generally more moderate; this affects the political outcomes and legislation in each chamber

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is beneficial. I personally have benefitted from being a state legislative staffer so I have a unique experience of understanding the legislative process and state policy making. The learning curve is very steep and having prior experience reduces the time wasted on learning the rules and gives more time to act.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Climate Change and the Housing Crisis

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

If they are on the same page

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes; we need coalitions to pass progressive legislation and make impactful change

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Assembly Committees:

Budget

Education

Elections and Redistricting

Higher Education

Housing and Community Development

Privacy and Consumer Protection

Public Safety

Revenue and Taxation

Transportation

Utilities and Energy

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Yes

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Senator Henry Stern

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

no

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

On the campaign trail, I've heard this story told countless times. I've heard how the Housing Affordability Crisis is affecting the daily lives of community members. Too often I hear folks say that if they had to try to settle down and buy their home today - they couldn't and wouldn't try. The Bay Area has become vastly unaffordable and unlivable for too many families. Too many people don't see a future that makes sense for them in the communities we grew up in and work in. This is also a personal struggle I'm very familiar with.