Let Me Introduce Myself:

My name is Jim Lee, and I’m running for Portsmouth City Council because I believe our city needs a stronger voice for fiscal responsibility and for the people who call Portsmouth home.

Right now, our sky-high property taxes and out-of-control city budget are driving longtime residents out of the community they helped build. Housing costs are rising so fast that young families, seniors, and even city workers are struggling to stay here.

I’ll fight for accountability in spending, work to rein in unnecessary budget growth, and support responsible housing policies that make Portsmouth affordable again—without sacrificing the character of our neighborhoods.

Together, we can protect the Portsmouth we love and make sure it remains a place where everyone—not just the wealthy—can live, work, and thrive.

My Qualifications:

40+ Years as a Real Estate Broker

• Proven expertise in property values, housing trends, and community development.
• Skilled negotiator who advocates for clients daily—ready to advocate for Portsmouth residents.

U.S. Air Force Veteran

• Dedicated to service, discipline, and putting mission and community first.

Former Small Business Owner

• Built and ran a successful restaurant, understanding firsthand the challenges local businesses face.

Portsmouth City Service

• Served six years on the Portsmouth Zoning Board of Adjustment, balancing growth with neighborhood character and fairness.
• Member of the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force to Reopen Portsmouth (2021), helping guide the city’s safe and effective recovery during the pandemic.

Community Leadership

• Active member of Portsmouth Elks Lodge, serving on the Veterans Committee to support those who served our nation.
• Pro Portsmouth Volunteer

Certified in Diversity & Inclusion

• At Home With Diversity® certification from the National Association of REALTORS®, demonstrating commitment to fair and inclusive policies.

Professional Recognition & Leadership

• 2021 President of the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS®.
• Honored as 2017 New Hampshire REALTOR® of the Year.

Portsmouth has been both my home and my professional base for over 15 years. But, I also spent 30 years as a Realtor in East Tennessee.. As a real estate broker, I’ve spent decades navigating complex negotiations, solving problems creatively, and working with people from all walks of life to help them achieve their goals. That experience has given me a deep understanding of housing, development, municipal regulations, and—most importantly—how to listen, build consensus, and get things done.

Those are the same skills I would bring to the City Council: practical, results-oriented thinking; the ability to weigh competing interests fairly; and a steady commitment to the long-term good of our community.

I’m running because I care about Portsmouth’s future and believe in thoughtful, transparent leadership. I’m not interested in pushing an agenda—I’m here to work hard, listen closely, and help shape policies that keep Portsmouth livable, vibrant, and inclusive for generations to come. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 4th.