Edward Lee represents a voice shaped by lived experience, persistence, and a willingness to challenge systems that often overlook the very people they are meant to serve.
As an Asian American who has experienced marginalization, and as someone who has lived through the realities of war, Lee brings a perspective that is both personal and uncommon in public office. His experiences have shaped a worldview that is grounded in resilience and an understanding that many individuals feel unseen or unheard within existing institutions.
His connection to the district is not distant. Having previously lived in the area and now returned, he maintains a direct relationship with the community and its evolving needs. His current efforts to establish the Long Island City GOP Club further reflect his commitment to civic engagement and local organization.
Lee’s leadership experience spans both the private and public sectors. As a business owner, he understands the pressures facing entrepreneurs and working families. He has also held non legislative elected positions and has been actively involved in organizing initiatives that expand civic participation. Notably, he has hosted New York City’s only debates dedicated to third party and independent candidates, creating space for voices that are often excluded from traditional political platforms.
That commitment to inclusion extends into his advocacy work.
Lee has been involved in efforts addressing public housing concerns, wrongful incarceration, and electoral fairness. He has supported initiatives focused on third party representation and anti-war advocacy, while also working closely with individuals with disabilities. His involvement contributed to the reinstatement of a disabilities coordinator for New York State and efforts to advance a co-navigator program for the deaf and blind community.
He has also assisted individuals navigating complex legal and systemic challenges, including supporting media development in cases involving alleged deed theft and raising awareness around concerns in higher education systems. These actions reflect a consistent focus on accountability and transparency.
Central to Lee’s approach is coalition building. He has worked to bring together individuals and groups who often feel excluded from mainstream conversations, creating a platform where those voices can be heard and considered. His coalition work reflects an understanding that representation must extend beyond established institutions.
His policy priorities are rooted in accountability and balance.
On housing, Lee emphasizes the need for responsible management and enforcement, recognizing that both residents and vulnerable populations are affected when systems fail to operate effectively. He approaches public safety with a dual focus, supporting law enforcement when it serves the community while maintaining a clear expectation of accountability when it does not.
He also places strong emphasis on ensuring that everyday residents have a voice in decision making, not just institutional experts. This perspective reflects a broader commitment to restoring trust between government and the people it serves.
Lee’s approach to service is shaped by reciprocity and engagement. He has supported candidates and initiatives when there is alignment in values and mutual understanding, reflecting a practical and relationship driven approach to leadership.
When it comes to integrity, his standard is direct. He emphasizes transparency as a core principle, advocating for openness in decision making and a willingness to confront issues of waste and inefficiency within government systems.
His vision for the district includes a greater level of accountability, with a focus on identifying inefficiencies and ensuring that public resources are used responsibly. He believes residents should feel confident that their concerns are addressed and that government operates with clarity and purpose.
This is a candidacy defined by independence, advocacy, and a commitment to giving a voice to those who are often overlooked.
For those reasons, and with a clear understanding of what is at stake, I am proud to offer my full endorsement.
Gonzalo Duran endorses Edward Lee for New York State Assembly District 36.
I encourage every voter to take the time to learn about this race, engage with the issues that matter most to their families, and make their voice heard at the ballot box. The future of our communities depends on informed, active participation, and this election is an opportunity to move New York in a stronger, safer, and more accountable direction.