Campaign Insiders is PoliticsNY’s latest Q&A series featuring candidates running for office in the 2026 New York primary election. This edition of Campaign Insiders features current Assembly Member Grace Lee who is running to represent New York’s 27th Senate District. The 27th District covers neighborhoods across lower Manhattan from the Battery to 14th Street, including Battery Park City, Tribeca, Financial District, Chinatown, Little Italy, the Lower East Side, SoHo, NoHo, Greenwich Village, South Village, Two Bridges and the East Village.
What are the top three issues for your campaign?
My priorities are making New York more affordable for working families, protecting New Yorkers from Trump’s attacks and holding ICE accountable, and making corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share so we can invest in housing, childcare, transit, and safer neighborhoods. At a time when too many people feel squeezed by rising costs and frustrated by inaction, we need government that is willing to stand up to powerful interests and deliver for everyday people.
Why did you decide to run for office?
Government should be firmly on the side of working people – using every tool to make life more affordable, secure, and fair. As an organizer, I saw how often vulnerable communities are left without the support they need. I’ve taken that on directly – delivering results, securing resources, and making government work for the people it’s supposed to serve. I’m running to make New York more affordable, protect communities, and make government more responsive to New Yorkers.
What do you believe is the top issue facing voters and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Affordability is the top issue; working families are doing everything right and still falling behind. My focus is simple: lower everyday costs, protect what people already have, and make sure the wealthiest pay their fair share. That means fighting for housing people can actually afford, stabilizing rents, lowering utility bills, funding childcare so it’s truly affordable, and taking on price gouging – so New Yorkers can stay and build their lives here.
How does your background qualify you to hold office?
I’ve spent my career making government work for New Yorkers. As an organizer, I took on powerful developers and helped tenants fight back against abuse. As an assemblymember, I’ve passed laws, secured millions for communities, and resolved hundreds of constituent cases – helping families navigate housing, healthcare, and benefits. That experience – combining policy, advocacy, and hands-on problem-solving – demonstrates my ability to make government work for people.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
Voters should choose me because I show up, stay present in the community, and know how to turn advocacy into action. At a time when families are struggling with rising costs and our communities are under attack by Trump, Lower Manhattan needs a state senator who can cut through the noise and get things done. I’ll focus on lowering everyday costs, improving quality of life, protecting working families, and delivering the responsive leadership you deserve.
From now until early voting, Campaign Insiders will be featuring candidates from select democratic primary races across the City & State. Be sure to check back to hear from a wide range of candidates from assembly, senate, and congressional races as well as the NYS comptroller race!
Early voting in NYC is June 13th-21st and Election Day is June 23rd. Check out the PoliticsNY Election Primer to see who will be on your ballot and don’t forget to vote this June!
