Three Democrats are competing in this month’s primary to represent an eastern Queens district that includes homeowners and parents trying to ensure the schools stay among the city’s best.

Incumbent City Councilmember Linda Lee says that in this race, like her last, the priorities have been “public safety, education, quality of life and, of course, just more services in general for seniors.”

While in office, Lee has advanced handicap accessibility and championed a mental health roadmap.

But her two challengers are condemning her budget vote last year as a blow to school funding.

Only six of the 51 councilmembers had voted against the spending plan.

“I would have never voted for a budget that cuts nearly half a billion dollars to our schools,” Democratic challenger Steve Behar said.

Rubaiya Rahman, another Democrat on the ballot, says that “a community thrives when they have good education, so we need to invest more in our schools, not to cut down on the budget.”

Lee, who formerly led a social service organization, says City Council issued funding to schools as COVID-19 relief was drying up.

“Last year’s budget included $700 million from the City Council that is allocated toward the Department of Education,” Lee said.

Behar came in third in the 2021 primary in Council District 23, which includes Bellerose, Oakland Gardens and Glen Oaks.

He served as counsel to then-Councilmember Barry Grodenchik and worked at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission amid other finance posts.

“I pretty much would be the only councilmember with a financial background in the finance capital of the world,” Behar said.

Rahman says she’s running for her autistic son, for who she has made multiple sacrifices. She heads a nonprofit advocating for services for those with autism.

“This is real life. This is not politics and we are facing it every day,” Rahman said.

Lee has the benefit of City Council colleagues and labor contributions.

Behar says he’s fighting for retired municipal workers, saying the city has told the group that they are “going to put you in this really poor ‘Medicare disadvantage’ plan.”

The three candidates cite crime, especially car theft and vandalism, as a top challenge.

And Lee added caring for trees as a priority, a reminder that seemingly small services can make a big impact.

“What happens, for example, is the roots can go into the sewage lines and actually puncture them, so it’s a huge cost to the folks that live in this district,” Lee said.

Behar and Rahman secured their public campaign finance funds before Lee, but the incumbent last Friday was granted the maximum allowable amount of matching cash.

Early voting begins on June 17. Primary Day is June 27.