From Patient to Nurse to Advocate
Elizabeth Lee’s entry into politics is deeply rooted in her personal and professional experiences with the American healthcare system. Growing up in Ohio, she faced a mysterious illness that went undiagnosed for years, an experience that she says left her feeling overlooked. This struggle inspired her to pursue a career in nursing to understand her own body and help others. After becoming a registered nurse, she was finally diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare genetic condition. This journey from patient to provider forms the core of her political narrative. Her path was also shaped by losing her mother to cancer after her insurance reportedly would not cover the most effective treatment, which Lee cites as a pivotal moment that dedicated
her to fighting for a system that prioritizes patients over profits.
A Career in Reproductive Health
Before running for office, Lee built a decade-long career as a Board Certified Reproductive Health and Infertility Nurse (C-RHI) and a Board-Certified Patient Advocate. She has worked in fertility clinics, where her role involved not just clinical care but also operational leadership, helping to improve workflows and expand financial access to treatment. Her work made her a nationally recognized expert in the field. She has been actively involved with organizations like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Lee has also served as the Arizona Delegation State Captain for Federal Advocacy Day, where she organized and led lobbying efforts to broaden access to fertility care.
The Jump to Congressional Candidate
Lee is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Arizona's 5th Congressional District, an area covering parts of the East Valley and Pinal County. On July 21, 2026, she won a three-way Democratic primary with approximately 65-66% of the vote, defeating opponents Chris James and Brian Hualde. The district is an open seat, as the incumbent, Republican Andy Biggs, is running for governor. Lee is now set to face Republican nominee Mark Lamb in the general election on November 3, 2026. The district is considered solidly Republican, presenting an uphill battle for any Democratic candidate.
Key Policy Positions
Lee’s platform is heavily influenced by her healthcare background. She is a proponent of Medicare for All, arguing that healthcare is a human right. Her policy goals include expanding Medicare to cover mental health, dental, and vision, as well as lowering the cost of prescription drugs. As a reproductive health nurse, she is a vocal advocate for protecting and expanding access to fertility treatments like IVF and other forms of reproductive medicine. Beyond healthcare, her campaign has focused on issues like affordable housing. She has also taken public stances on local issues, such as opposing a 287(g) agreement in Pinal County that would involve local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement.
