Nicole Lee

Nicole T. Lee (born ) is an American politician in Chicago, Illinois. She is a member of the Chicago City Council as the alderwoman for the 11th ward, which includes portions of Bridgeport, New City, and Chinatown. She took office in March 2022, after being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the removal of Patrick Daley Thompson. She was elected to a full term in 2023. She is the second Asian American and first Chinese American to serve on the City Council.

Early life and education Lee was born and raised in the Chinatown neighborhood of Chicago. She attended Mark Sheridan Math and Science Academy and Whitney Young Magnet High School. From 2017 to 2021, she served on the local school council for Haines Elementary School. The office of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, charged with nominating a replacement, announced on March 15 that it had received 27 applications. Lightfoot nominated Lee on March 24, citing her "dedication to empowering communities and building coalitions." Lee stated that her top three priorities for the ward were city services provision, public safety, and educational opportunities.

Personal life and family Lee's father, Gene Lee, was a long-time political aide for former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. He pled guilty to charges of embezzlement and fraud, unrelated to his position as an aide, in 2014.