First Things First

On her path to Congress, the representative-elect made history in Pennsylvania.

Sometimes, change is uncomfortable, she tells Bustle.

She mightve had another reason for ducking out, too: Lee isnt a big fan of chitchat.

In the Congressional election between Mike Doyle and Summer Lee, results favored Lee.

I think I get more introverted as I age, says the representative-elect, whos 35.

Im definitely not good with small talk.

I get a lot of social anxiety.

Being in a conversation with a group of people I dont know, it just gives me the heebie-jeebies.

But if its a small group of people I know, Im very outgoing.

Lee grew up in Braddock, the steel town where Senator-elect John Fetterman was once mayor.

She worked as a community organizer in Pittsburgh before being elected to the Pennsylvania House in 2018.

I saw how detrimental it is.

Shes hoping to change their minds.

Below, Lee answers questions about other firsts.

First person you talked to today?

Actually, my staff.

It was an unusual day Iresigned from the state House.

First person you text when something good happens?

The group text [with] my mom, my grandma, and my sister.

First time you saw yourself represented in entertainment?

Thats a hard question because I dont really.

Images and narratives about Black women are so few and far between, and so limited.

First time you earned a paycheck?

I was 15 or 16, working for my mom at her job.

It was a nonprofit that helped folks find work.

I was basically a gofer.

First time you traveled outside of the United States?

I went there at [age] 7 on vacation.

First time voting?

Some inconsequential race in college that I dont remember.

First time you missed an election?

First time you got involved in politics?

The same year, 2008.

I got back in time for the general election, and I registered people to vote on campus.

First time someone told you to run for office?

In 2017, someone asked if I would consider running for state rep.

I texted a couple friends, and they were both like, Uh, yeah, duh!

First time you believed you could win this race?

When I decided to get in it.