Jason Lee: Chicago’s Shadow Mayor Navigates a Tumultuous Year
Jason Lee, often described as Chicago’s shadow mayor, is facing a multitude of challenges. His boss, Mayor Brandon Johnson, recently navigated a difficult budget process, marred by rookie mistakes and a frustrated City Council. This budget battle capped a tumultuous year for Johnson, marked by staff issues, the defeat of his “Bring Chicago Home” referendum, and a protracted struggle to oust Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez following the resignation of Johnson’s appointed school board.
Amidst this political turmoil, Lee is also grappling with a personal health challenge—a flare-up of Crohn’s disease. Adding to his burdens is the controversy surrounding his decision to vote in Texas during the November presidential election, despite residing in Chicago. He explained this choice as fulfilling a promise to his late mother, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, by voting for his sister, Erica Lee Carter, who was running for her mother’s vacated congressional seat. “I’ve been living with [Crohn’s disease] for a while…It’s just a matter of trying to manage it as best I can,” Lee stated, emphasizing his commitment to his work despite the health issue.
Lee acknowledges the intense pressure inherent in Chicago politics, drawing a parallel to the challenges faced by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel during the Laquan McDonald shooting controversy. “This is Chicago. All eyes are on the fifth floor,” he remarked, highlighting the constant scrutiny faced by those in high-level city government. He underscores his commitment to his role, emphasizing his choice to be in Chicago and acknowledging the transient nature of high-level positions. “I do it because I believe in this mayor,” he explained, adding that he’ll continue as long as he feels he’s adding value.
Lee’s path to becoming Mayor Johnson’s senior advisor has been anything but straightforward. The son of a civil rights champion, he followed a unique trajectory from Eagle Scout to Morehouse College, Harvard University (where he earned a rare trifecta of master’s degrees in religion, ethics, and politics), and a stint as a Wall Street investment banker before working for an energy company in Africa. It was after this experience that he found his calling in the labor movement, community organizing, and politics.
His journey to Chicago was spurred by a call from Mayor Johnson himself. “He said, ‘We’re building a movement. You should come to Chicago. It’s like Selma’,” Lee recalled of their initial conversation. His subsequent work with AFSCME International, the United Working Families, and on Toni Preckwinkle’s mayoral campaign provided valuable experience navigating the complexities of Chicago politics, including the fallout from the Edward Burke corruption scandal.
Lee’s mentor, Harvard University professor Brandon Terry, considers him exceptionally intelligent and capable, even suggesting he would be a fantastic candidate for political office. However, Lee remains focused on his current role, aware of the personal sacrifices involved in public life, a burden he understands deeply due to his mother’s demanding career.
The elder Lee, Elwyn Lee, reflects on his wife’s dedication to public service and the impact it had on their children. He credits Jason with playing a pivotal role in his mother’s public announcement of her pancreatic cancer diagnosis and in planning her funeral, a testament to his strength and compassion. Erica Lee Carter, currently serving her mother’s congressional term, emphasizes her brother’s unwavering commitment to progress and positive change. Ultimately, Jason Lee’s story is one of unwavering dedication, resilience in the face of adversity, and a deep-seated commitment to serving his city and community.