Reality TV star with A-list pals wins election after vowing to run in spat over $1 million grant
A REALITY TV star known for starting a gossipy entertainment news website and working for Kanye West has won his political race.
Jason Lee, who rose to fame for reality show appearances and posing on red carpets with celebs like Rihanna, is now serving the public in California.
On Tuesday, he was elected to the District 6 City Council seat in Stockton, about two hours east of San Francisco, after a year of campaigning.
The Hollywood socialite celebrated the massive news with an Instagram post where he thanked his fans and voters.
"Deeply honored to have earned the support and trust of my neighbors, the voters of my hometown, and you," he wrote.
"Now I begin the work of creating safer and stronger communities, improving our quality of life and charting our next chapter.
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"Heck, forget the next chapter. We will write a whole new book!"
Lee is the CEO of Hollywood Unlocked, a California-based news site that reports on pop culture and reality stars.
He started the project in 2010, and has since sat down for friendly interviews with superstars like Cardi B, Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and Floyd Mayweather.
In 2015, Lee garnered his own celebrity after he started appearing on the reality TV show Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.
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He was a recurring cast member on several seasons of the show before he was tacked onto the sketch game show Wild 'N Out.
In 2022, Lee briefly worked for Kanye West as the Head of Media and Partnerships and helped to roll out West's demo album Donda 2.
LEE'S PLAN
Lee's bid for office came around the same time the Stockton City Council unanimously denied his nonprofit Hollywood Cares a $1 million grant in December 2023, according to .
One month before the shock decision, he said, "The elected leader in South Stockton District 6 has failed the community.
"Not just the last four years, but I would even say the last 12," he wrote in November 2023.
Lee often used his Instagram account with over 1 million followers to share his criticisms of American culture and promote his vision for Stockton.
He said he wanted to stop more liquor stores and smoke shops from being built in the district and prioritize access to healthy meals.
Jason Lee's full statement after political win
"Thank you. Deeply honored to have earned the support and trust of my neighbors, the voters of my hometown, and you.
"Now I begin the work of creating safer and stronger communities, improving our quality of life, and charting our next chapter.
"Heck, forget the next chapter. We will write a whole new book!
"Stockton - thank you."
The political hopeful also announced a partnership with best friend Haddish to build a healthy grocery store in south Stockton.
Plus, he vowed to tackle homelessness in San Joaquin County, which has doubled in just two years.
Lee won over his electorate by urging voters to recognize their options instead of relying on the results of incumbent leaders.
On Election Day, he wrote, "Stockton, today is our day to send a message to City Hall that we the people deserve better.
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"Today you’re not only voting for you, you’re voting for me, my family, my friends who lost loved ones, my friends who lost their lives.
"You’re voting for people who want better jobs, who want safer streets, and for those kids who have nothing to do."
