Susan C. Lee

Susan C. Lee is a former American politician who served as a member of the Maryland State Senate from 2015 to 2023, representing Maryland Legislative District 16. A member of the Democratic Party, she made history as the first Asian American elected to the Maryland State Senate, as well as the first Asian American woman and first Chinese American to serve in the Maryland legislature. Before her tenure in the Senate, she was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 2002 to 2015. In 2023, she was appointed as the 72nd Maryland Secretary of State, marking another significant milestone in her political career.

Early life and career

Susan C. Lee was born on May 14, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas. She spent her formative years in Montgomery County, Maryland, where she attended Winston Churchill High School. Following her high school education, Lee pursued higher education at the University of Maryland College Park, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She furthered her academic credentials by graduating from the University of San Francisco School of Law, equipping herself with a legal background that would later inform her legislative work.

Before entering politics, Lee built a career as an attorney. She practiced law in private practice and held positions with significant governmental organizations, including the United States Commission on Civil Rights and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Her legal expertise and commitment to civil rights were evident in her work, and she also served as co-chairwoman of the Montgomery County NAACP Multicultural Community Partnership, reflecting her dedication to community engagement and advocacy for diverse populations.

Legislative service

Lee's legislative career began when she was appointed to the Maryland House of Delegates on February 19, 2002, by Governor Parris Glendening. This appointment followed the election of Nancy Kopp as Treasurer of Maryland and was made after a recommendation from the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, of which Lee was a member. She was sworn into office on February 21, 2002, and subsequently won her first full term in the House later that year. Lee was re-elected in 2006 and again in 2010, demonstrating her ability to connect with constituents and navigate the political landscape.

In August 2013, Lee announced her candidacy for the Maryland Senate, aiming to succeed Brian Frosh, who was running for Attorney General of Maryland. She won the Democratic primary decisively and later secured victory in the general election, taking office on January 14, 2015. During her time in the Senate, she held the position of Senate majority whip from November 2018 until the end of her term in 2023, indicating her influential role within the legislative body.

Throughout her legislative career, Lee served on various committees that shaped Maryland's laws and policies. In the Maryland House of Delegates, she was a member of the Judiciary Committee, where she held several leadership roles, including chairing subcommittees focused on juvenile law and family law. After transitioning to the Maryland Senate, she continued her work on the Judicial Proceedings Committee and participated in several other committees, including the Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Biotechnology, and the Executive Nominations Committee.

Policy focus and district

Lee's policy focus during her legislative tenure encompassed a range of issues, reflecting her commitment to public safety, civil rights, and community development. One of her notable areas of concern was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Maryland's correctional systems. Between late May and June 2020, she engaged in discussions with representatives from various state departments, which led to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee releasing a report with recommendations aimed at improving the state's correctional systems during the pandemic.

In addition to her work related to public health, Lee was vocal about issues of crime and policing. She introduced legislation requiring prosecutors to disclose the use of facial recognition or DNA profiling in criminal investigations. Although this bill was withdrawn after its initial hearing, it highlighted her focus on transparency in law enforcement practices. Furthermore, she proposed a bill to criminalize the possession of ransomware, reflecting her awareness of the growing threat of cybercrime.

Lee also championed significant changes in the legal framework surrounding sexual crimes. During the 2021 legislative session, she introduced a bill that repealed the prohibition on prosecuting sexual crimes against a victim who is the spouse of the assailant. This legislation passed unanimously in the Maryland Senate and received broad support in the House of Delegates, showcasing her commitment to advancing justice for victims of sexual violence.

In the realm of development initiatives, Lee expressed concerns about proposed expansions of the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270. She criticized the state's planning approach, emphasizing the need for dialogue regarding the potential financial, environmental, and community impacts of such projects. Additionally, she introduced legislation aimed at empowering counties to block state toll projects, reflecting her advocacy for local governance and community interests.

Gun control was another critical area of focus for Lee. During the 2019 legislative session, she introduced a bill to ban privately made firearms in Maryland, which she later reintroduced in 2022. This initiative underscored her commitment to addressing gun violence and promoting public safety.

In January 2023, Lee was appointed as the Maryland Secretary of State, becoming the first Asian American to hold this position. Her nomination was unanimously approved by the Maryland Senate, and she took office shortly after the inauguration of Governor Wes Moore. As Secretary of State, Lee has continued to engage with pressing political issues, including considerations related to the eligibility of candidates for the primary election ballot.

Throughout her career, Susan C. Lee has demonstrated a commitment to public service and advocacy for her constituents in Maryland. Her legislative work has been characterized by a focus on civil rights, public safety, and community development, and she continues to play a significant role in Maryland's political landscape.