Innovator. Reformer. Lifelong New Yorker.
Benjamin Yee is a civic technologist, community organizer, and a lifelong resident of Lower Manhattan. For nearly two decades, Ben has worked at the intersection of technology and democracy, fighting to make government more transparent, inclusive, and effective for every New Yorker.
A Vision for a Modern Democracy
Ben believes that the current crisis in our democracy is a symptom of a government that has become detached from everyday reality. Whether it's housing, healthcare, or the quality of life on our streets, New Yorkers are losing faith that their voices matter. Ben is running for the State Assembly because he has the innovation, experience, and the fight to bring government back to the people.
- Transforming Albany:After serving as the Digital Director for the Obama campaign in New York, Ben worked in State government to modernize the NY Senate. He used cutting-edge technology to transform a body once ranked the most corrupt in the nation into an award-winning model of transparency.
- Empowering New Yorkers:Following the 2016 election, Ben founded a non-profit that mentored over 8,000 New Yorkers—including future national leaders—teaching them how to organize and hold power accountable.
- State Committee Leadership:For the past 8 years, Ben has represented Lower Manhattan on the Democratic State Committee. He has passed more reforms to make the party inclusive and transparent than any member in the last decade, proving he can deliver results in the halls of power.
A Personal Stake in Democracy
Ben's commitment to justice is rooted in his family's journey. His father's family arrived from China during the era of the racist Chinese Exclusion Act, which made it illegal for them to become citizens. His mother's family were Holocaust survivors who arrived in New York as refugees from Poland, seeking a more tolerant world.
Raised by a civil engineer and a pioneering female attorney who founded one of the city's first all-female copyright law firms, Ben was taught that democracy is not a spectator sport. It is a legacy that must be protected with "eternal vigilance"—a principle he carries into every fight for the 66th District.
A Leader for the 21st Century
For the last five years, Ben has worked at the forefront of education technology, helping global leaders navigate how AI and new technologies are reshaping our world. He brings a unique, 21st-century perspective to Albany—one that moves beyond the status quo to deliver real, innovative results that tangibly improve the lives of every resident in our community.