MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 3, 2016) — Fue Lee, a lifelong resident of North Minneapolis and a community organizer and activist, has announced his candidacy for the Minnesota State House of Representative in district 59A. Over 200 neighbors and local supporters attended Lee’s campaign kickoff on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at Firebox Deli, a local North Minneapolis restaurant.
“Fue has an extreme dedication for working with individuals and communities that are excluded from economic opportunities in a variety of ways,” stated Robin Wonsley, a community member and supporter of Lee. “He is really dedicated to making sure that every community is inclusive and has the capacity to have a quality of life.”
“In the short time since our campaign kick-off event, over two dozens of volunteers have joined our campaign. Just over the weekend, we knocked on nearly 700 doors and shared Fue Lee’s vision for the district,” said volunteer coordinator Nhia Chang.
The Neighbors for Fue Lee campaign was eager to share that they have raised nearly $12,000 in political contributions, ahead of the first public campaign finance report due Monday, Feb. 1.
“The outpouring of support we’re getting so far is amazing. I believe anything is possible if we work together to stay laser focused on the issues that matter most to all of our communities,” said Fue Lee.
A number of local supporters including resident Donna Pierson expressed enthusiasm for new leadership at the Capitol that reflects the growing diversity and demographic of House District 59A.
“It’s exciting to see a young and progressive leader that can speak for and relate to the local community,” said Pierson.
Lee is a graduate of Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and currently a senior administrator for the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. Lee’s recent experience includes the Southeast Asian Resource Center in Washington, D.C., the Office of Congressman Keith Ellison, and was an election specialist with the City of Minneapolis. Lee’s family arrived in Minneapolis in 1992 as political refugees fleeing persecution in Laos, as a residual result of the Vietnam War.
“In my work as a grassroots community organizer for several electoral campaigns as well as other issue campaigns that impact our community, it’s clear to me that the gap between policy and people, the disconnect between those we elect to represent us and those who are continually marginalized, have become greater than ever,” Said Lee.
Lee continued, “I believe that all families in Minnesota, regardless of racial background or economic status, should have the same equal access to a quality public education, economic justice and with equal opportunities for a fair shot at the American dream. More than ever, we need a political system where everyone’s voice is heard, not just the few who are connected. We must make affordable housing for all a reality. Let’s work together to ensure that our district maintains a safe, strong and nurturing community where racial justice and equity is not only talked about, but that the cornerstone of our progressive agenda for a better Minnesota is a value we can act and live out.”
For more information, visit: www.fuelee.org
