People / John D. Lee

Person · House

John D.
Lee

CHIEF OF STAFFOffice of Representative Nikki Budzinski

Works forDNikki Budzinski · Democratic · Illinois 13th District

Chief of Staff for U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) since October 2023, overseeing the office's legislative and policy operations. Previously served as Legislative Director for Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) for more than seven years. Worked in the private sector as Head of Government Relations at Paychex and as counsel at law firm Bracewell LLP, where he advised clients on energy and tax policy. Seasoned Capitol Hill expert with experience in bipartisan policymaking.

Last year's salary

$178,925

Calendar year 2025

Career tenure

14.6y

5 roles tracked

Sponsored trips

0

$0 total

Career earnings

$564,904

Chapter I

Compensation Timeline

Summed annual salary across all tracked roles.

Preparing salary timeline...

Chapter II

Employment History

Roles are merged across compensation filings.

CHIEF OF STAFF
Office of Representative Nikki Budzinski
forDNikki Budzinski · Democratic · Illinois 13th District
House
Oct 16, 2023 to Present
LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
Office of Representative Nikki Budzinski
forDNikki Budzinski · Democratic · Illinois 13th District
House
Jan 3, 2023 to Oct 15, 2023
SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR
Office of Representative Sean Casten
forDSean Casten · Democratic · Illinois 6th District
House
Jan 3, 2022 to Jan 2, 2023
SENIOR LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT
Office of Representative Sean Casten
forDSean Casten · Democratic · Illinois 6th District
House
Oct 4, 2021 to Jan 2, 2022
PAGE
Senate
Jun 13, 2011 to Jul 1, 2011

Chapter III

Earlier career

Prior roles per public sources. May overlap with employment records based on salary filings above.

Legislative Director
Office of Senator Kevin Cramer
Head of Government Relations
Paychex
Bracewell LLP

Chapter IV

Sponsored Travel

No disclosed trips yet.