Fue Lee, born to Hmong parents in a refugee camp in Thailand, moved to Minnesota at a young age. He graduated from Camden High School and earned a bachelor's degree in political science and international relations from Carleton College. Lee began his career in public service through internships and volunteer work with local and state political figures, and as an aide in the office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. He co-founded organizations aimed at Asian American and Hmong American political engagement. Lee was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2016, becoming the first person of color and of Asian descent to represent his district, and the first Hmong-American in the state legislature. He has held various leadership roles, including chair of the Capital Investment Committee and membership in key environmental and finance committees.

Fue Lee combines a deeply localized approach to policy with a surprising willingness to collaborate across ideological divides. His legislative record shows an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, revealing a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. His personal experience with COVID-19 has sharpened his advocacy for comprehensive, state-led public health initiatives, yet he maintains a nuanced stance on economic policy that remains underexplored. Lee's rhetorical style emphasizes community resilience and regional identity, often framing issues in a way that highlights both local impact and broader systemic change.