NEWBURGH – Dr. Gay Lee, LCSW-R, a longtime community leader, social worker, educator, and former Newburgh City Councilwoman, has officially announced her candidacy for the New York State Senate in the 39th District. With more than three decades of experience serving individuals, families, and communities across New York and beyond, Dr. Lee brings a lifetime commitment to public service, practical problem-solving, and community empowerment.
Running on the theme “Of the Community, For the Community, By the Community,” Dr. Lee’s campaign focuses on restoring trust in government by ensuring that public policy reflects the lived experiences and needs of the people it serves.
Dr. Lee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) with professional licensure in 14 states, providing mental health services, forensic assessments, and clinical supervision to individuals and organizations. Her career has spanned hospital systems, community-based organizations, higher education, and private practice. Throughout her work, she has helped individuals navigate mental health challenges, substance use concerns, family conflict, and the complexities of the legal system.
“As a social worker, I have spent my career listening to people,” Dr. Lee said. “I have seen firsthand where systems work and where they fail. Too often, families fall through the cracks because services are fragmented or inaccessible. My goal in the State Senate is to help close those gaps and build systems that truly support community stability and well-being.”
Dr. Lee is also the author of the recently published book, Closing the Gaps: Social Work Frameworks for Sustainable Houselessness Interventions, which outlines practical policy and practice solutions for addressing housing instability and strengthening community systems. The book emphasizes coordinated responses at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, highlighting the role of leadership, ethical practice, and collaboration in solving complex social problems.
Her campaign will focus on several core priorities, including:
• Closing service gaps in health, housing, and mental health systems
• Expanding access to community-based programs for youth and families
• Reestablishing community action programs that empower residents
• Investing in recreational and enrichment programs for children and adolescents
• Supporting policies that strengthen local economies and stabilize neighborhoods
Dr. Lee believes that thriving communities require more than policy discussions in Albany. They require active community engagement and partnership.
“Many of the programs that once supported healthy neighborhoods—community action initiatives, youth recreation, and local leadership development—have been underfunded or forgotten,” Dr. Lee explained. “When communities lose those resources, we see the consequences in public health, education, and safety. We must rebuild these structures so residents once again have opportunities to grow, connect, and lead.”
During her time as a Newburgh City Councilwoman, Dr. Lee demonstrated her ability to translate ideas into policy solutions. She developed the City of Newburgh’s Property Tax Repayment Plan, helping homeowners avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes while strengthening the city’s financial stability.
Her campaign will emphasize community-informed policymaking, ensuring that residents, small business owners, educators, healthcare professionals, and young people all have a voice in shaping the future of the district.
“The 39th District deserves leadership that understands both the human side of public policy and the structural changes needed to create opportunity,” Dr. Lee said. “This campaign is about building solutions together—of the community, for the community, and by the community.”
Dr. Lee will begin meeting with residents, community organizations, and local leaders throughout the district in the coming weeks to discuss priorities and build a collaborative agenda for the future.
For more information about the campaign or upcoming community events, residents are encouraged to follow campaign updates and participate in upcoming public discussions.
