Steve Lee Files To Run As Democrat For Mason District Supervisor Seat

ANNANDALE, VA — Steve Lee, a business owner and community leader, announced Wednesday that he has filed the required paperwork to seek the Democratic nomination for the Mason District supervisor's seat in Fairfax County.

Lee, who has been endorsed by Del. David Bulova (D-37th District) and former Del. Mark Keam (D-35th District), pledged to vote for policies that promote economic opportunity and foster a welcoming environment for all residents if elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

“As Mason District Supervisor, I will always listen first to my constituents,” Lee said in a statement. “I will be a strong voice for more affordable housing across the county, more resources for our teachers and students, more opportunities for local businesses to grow and succeed, and more transportation options for our families.”

With his candidacy, Lee joins three other candidates seeking to succeed Fairfax County Board of Supervisors member Penny Gross, who announced in December that she would not seek re-election in 2023. Gross, a Democrat, is in her seventh term on the Board of Supervisors.

The other candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for Mason District are Reid Voss, Andres Jimenez and Jeremy Allen. No Republicans have announced their candidacy for the seat.

Lee is a graduate of Annandale High School who has lived and operated businesses in the Mason District for more than 40 years. His businesses include 9292 Korean Barbeque and Cafe V, a coffee shop run by Steve’s wife, Victoria.

Lee's son, Theodore, is a graduate of Fairfax County Public Schools and a graduate of Georgetown Law School.

If elected, Lee would be the first-ever Asian American on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Along with his business interests, Lee has served as the Mason District representative on the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission, an executive member of the Taste of Annandale community festival, president of the Korean American Association of Greater Washington Metropolitan Area, and director of the Korean Community Center, which is located in the Mason District.

He also has served as a member of the Annandale Central Business District Planning Committee and the Fairfax County Police Chief’s Council on Diversity Recruitment, and currently serves on the Committee For Dulles as co-chair of its international committee.

"Steve knows the Annandale area better than anyone I know. He grew up there, attended schools there, and has operated many businesses there, including several companies that are currently creating jobs and supporting the local revenues in the district," Keam said in a statement.

The former Virginia state delegate also noted that Lee has worked behind the scenes to improve people’s lives. "Now, he is ready to step up as the leader we need in Fairfax County," Keam said.

RELATED: Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross Not Seeking Re-Election