Why are you running for State Assembly?
My roots are in this community. I grew up in Milpitas and San José as the son of immigrants. I have seen firsthand more and more families struggling to build a future here. The rising cost of living is pushing friends and families out of our community. Families shouldn’t be priced out of the neighborhoods we grew up in.
As the only candidate with legislative experience in the State Assembly & State Senate, I’m equipped to represent my home community and take on the biggest challenges we face.
What do you love most about District 25?
I grew up in AD25 – in both Milpitas and San José. It’s home for me!
My favorite thing about our district is that almost all my friends and family live and work here. I couldn’t do it without them! Second favorite thing is the food.
If elected, what would your legislative priorities be?
- Fix the Housing Crisis
- Reinvest in Education
- Expand our Transit Options
- Campaign Finance Reform
- Fight Climate Change
What are some things you see that are happening in local government right now that inspire you?
A lot of change is finally coming to local government in the form of activism. Whether you agree with them or not, there’s more and more people from every background getting involved. From land use and transit decisions to social and environmental issues, more people are becoming activists in their own community. That energy inspires me to run a true grassroots campaign grounded in our community – not beholden to special interests.
Where should the state’s priorities be in terms of K-12 education? Do you have any proposals/ideas for increasing funding in education?
We need to reinvest in our public schools. Even though our state is the largest economy in the union, we rank poorly for per-pupil student. While I was a student in Milpitas public schools, I felt the pains of increased class sizes and decreased budgets. I support using more of our general fund on education (K-12 and higher ed) and fighting for measures like Schools & Communities First to bring much needed, stable funds to our schools.
Any proposals for bringing more affordable housing to our region?
What we need to be building are future-proof communities. We need to build housing that maximizes our scarce land, is served by robust transit (which we need to expand too), and is environmentally sustainable. I will support measures that build more legally affordable units, not just more luxury developments.
My ideas include: affordable housing requirements (inclusionary zoning) for all developments in CA, bringing affordable housing through social housing, ending single family zoning, and strengthening tenant protections. All while boosting improvements to our education and transport infrastructure.
Do you have any ideas that would help our state government function more effectively?
Yes – technology upgrades to state government so we can operate in the 21st century; revamping our tax system to make our budget less volatile; expanding the right to vote; and combining both houses of the legislature into one and having more districts to improve representation.
What do you think the biggest issue is that’s impacting residents in our district, and how do you intend to help fix it?
The Housing Crisis. It affects every resident in AD25. Whether you’re a household of 3 generations living under one roof to make ends meet, a retired couple feeling the burden of land speculation, or a family that is displaced – everyone feels it.
I intend to boldly fix the Housing Crisis. My ideas include: affordable housing requirements (inclusionary zoning) for all developments in CA, bringing affordable housing through social housing, ending single family zoning, and strengthening tenant protections. All while boosting improvements to our education and transport infrastructure.
What is something unique that you bring to the table?
I am the only candidate to have worked as a Legislative Policy Advisor in both the State Assembly & State Senate. I was president and CEO of a $13 million nonprofit at UC Davis when I was 20 years old. If elected, I would also be the first openly Bi and youngest Asian American in the State Legislature.
I believe I am the only candidate to have called AD25 home his whole life too.
What is something that not everyone might know about you?
I’m a cat person. My cat that I rescued is named Soba. She’s made me more compassionate to animal welfare issues and made me realize there are many, many other cat lovers in AD25.
What do you love to do in your spare time?
I really like to do art (digital art, filmmaking, drawing) and creative writing in my spare time!
Anything else you’d like to share?
Little fun fact about AD25: there is a Ranch 99 in every city of the district, except for one. Guess which city doesn’t have a ranch 99. It says a lot about our community.
Where can people go to learn more about you?
You can learn more about me at www.VoteAlexLee.com or my Facebook/Instagram @VoteAlexLee or my cell at 408-459-8873!
And finally, why should people vote for you?
I hope to earn your vote because I have the state legislative experience and homegrown knowledge to represent our community. I don’t take any money from special interest groups that have bought politicians and held back progress. I care about making our community affordable and livable. If we continue down the status quo, I will never be able to raise my family in the South Bay like my upbringing. Let’s make a future for all!
Learn more at www.VoteAlexLee.com
