Lee Alexander holds a distinguished academic background, having graduated from Syracuse University and its College of Law. He served in the United States Army during World War II, which likely influenced his leadership approach. Alexander began his career in public service by being elected to the Syracuse City Council and later serving as mayor of Syracuse for nearly 15 years. His tenure included a period as president of the United States Conference of Mayors, underscoring his commitment to municipal governance and inter-city collaboration.

Lee Alexander's political philosophy is marked by a steadfast commitment to local governance and economic development, as evidenced by his long tenure as mayor of Syracuse. His approach to municipal governance emphasizes collaboration among mayors, as shown by his presidency of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors. Alexander's economic advocacy for local initiatives juxtaposes with his broader political ambitions, revealing a nuanced strategy that balances regional interests with statewide political aspirations.