Linda Lee (politician)
American politician (born 1979)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linda Lee (born July 3, 1979) is an American nonprofit director and politician serving as a member of the New York City Council from the 23rd district. A Democrat, she previously served as the President and CEO of Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York and represents the far-eastern neighborhoods of Queens.[1]
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Linda Lee | |
|---|---|
Lee in 2025 | |
| Member of the New York City Council from the 23rd district | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Barry Grodenchik |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 3, 1979 |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | Barnard College (BA), Columbia University (MSW) |
| Website | Official website Campaign website |
Early life and education
Lee grew up in Oakland Gardens, Queens, the daughter of South Korean immigrants. She and her family first lived in the Southern Tier of New York State in the town of Elmira, New York.[2] She received her B.A. from Barnard College and her Master's of Social Work from Columbia.[3]
New York City council
Before running for New York City Council in 2021, she served as the President and CEO of Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. [4] She campaigned for election on a platform of increasing services for senior citizens, improving the accountability of police to citizens, and workforce training to help recover the economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]
After winning the November 2021 general election, she became the first Asian American woman to represent the district, along with a wave of previously unrepresented minorities on the City Council.[1] She succeeded fellow Democrat Barry Grodenchik; her term is intended to run for two years instead of the usual four because of planned redistricting. Her district office is located in Oakland Gardens, Queens. [6]
In December 2024, Lee voted against the "City of Yes" legislation which would rezone parts of the city to develop more housing.[7]
In March 2026, City and State NY magazine published an interview with Lee after New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin appointed Lee as Chair of the Finance Committee. Lee described herself as a "New York Moderate" similar to the political platform of Speaker Menin. Neither democrat endorsed Mayor Zohran Mamdani during the 2025 mayoral election.[2]