State Assembly Member - District 36
Edward Lee
Member of the Queens Republican County Committee and a New York City street and subway performer who says he has worked as an activist for more than 30 years under the name djelf7.
Where they stand
Taxes, spending and the cost of living
Opposes additional taxes on property owners, saying landlords pass higher property taxes on to tenants as rent increases in Astoria and Long Island City, which he says are already seeing intense gentrification and rising rents.
Housing and tenants
Opposes the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, saying that although it is presented as giving tenants a chance to buy their buildings, it gives nonprofits priority purchasing rights instead.
Israel and state policy
Pledges never to take money from AIPAC and says he will work to have it reclassified as a foreign lobby, as part of a goal of removing foreign influence from the political system.
Background
He lists a bachelor's degree from the University at Buffalo, post-baccalaureate study at Hunter College and two years at St. George's University medical school.
- Member of the Queens Republican County Committee
- Street and subway performer in New York City
- Brand ambassador for Rep My Block, a project that makes voter database information available block by block
- Says he has worked as an activist for more than 30 years under the name djelf7
- Working to establish a Long Island City GOP Club, according to Gonzalo Duran's March 2026 endorsement, which also describes him as a business owner who has held non-legislative elected positions
- Advanced to the general election without a primary; the June 23, 2026 Republican primary for the seat was canceled
- Lists a bachelor's degree from the University at Buffalo, post-baccalaureate study at Hunter College and two years at St. George's University medical school
Support
Others running for State Assembly Member - District 36
