Linda Lee: Campaigns and Elections
Linda Lee's electoral career began with a competitive 2021 primary and has been followed by successful re-elections in a diverse, politically engaged Queens district. This section walks through each campaign in order, with results and context, citing primary or strong secondary sources.
A note up front: Lee entered politics relatively late, at age 42, and her initial race was her first-ever run for office. Her elections reflect the dynamics of a diverse outer-borough district where the Democratic primary is typically the decisive contest.
2021: The seven-candidate primary
Lee's first electoral contest was the 2021 Democratic primary for the open District 23 seat in eastern Queens, which drew a crowded field of seven candidates 12. The seat was open after incumbent Barry Grodenchik announced he would not seek another term 2. Lee won the primary, running on a platform of senior services, police accountability, and workforce recovery from the pandemic 3. She then won the general election, becoming the first Korean-American elected to the City Council and the first woman to hold the seat, as part of the most diverse incoming Council class in the city's history 34. The primary victory, in a politically complex and racially diverse district, launched her career.
A shortened first term
Because of planned redistricting, Lee's initial term ran for two years rather than the usual four, meaning she would face voters again in 2023 3. The shortened term compressed her window to build a record before seeking re-election.
2023: Re-election
Lee won re-election in 2023, defeating Republican Bernard Chow in the general election to secure a full four-year term 5. The win consolidated her position in the district and validated her early tenure, including her Mental Health Roadmap and her committee work. The 2023 race was not seriously competitive given the district's Democratic lean.
2025: A second re-election
Lee was re-elected again in 2025, once more defeating Bernard Chow in the general election 5. Her continued tenure positioned her for the Finance Committee chairmanship that followed. The race reflected her growing incumbency advantage in the district.
The district's political character
District 23 is heavily Democratic (roughly 57 percent registered Democrats, 14 percent Republican, with a large unaffiliated share), racially diverse (roughly 46 percent Asian, 21 percent white), and home to a politically engaged, homeowner-heavy electorate 62. The district's complexity, including significant Indian, Chinese, and Korean communities and the legacy of the Cuomo and Weprin political families, makes the Democratic primary the decisive contest, while the general election has not been seriously competitive for Lee 62. Her electoral strength reflects her alignment with the district's moderate, community-oriented politics.
Electoral pattern and analysis
Lee's electoral record is one of steady, growing strength in a safely Democratic but politically complex district. She won a competitive primary in her debut 2021 race, faced relatively easy re-elections in 2023 and 2025, and has built a durable incumbency. The pattern is that of a candidate whose nonprofit background and moderate positioning resonated with a diverse, pragmatic electorate from the start, and whose rapid rise in Council leadership has further consolidated her standing.
Summary of electoral results
2021 NYC Council (District 23): Won open seat (seven-candidate Democratic primary, then general election); first Korean-American on the Council, first woman in District 23.
2023 NYC Council (District 23): Re-elected (defeated Bernard Chow in general).
2025 NYC Council (District 23): Re-elected (defeated Bernard Chow in general).