Shae Sortwell holds degrees in public administration and political science from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. He spent nearly a decade in the United States Army Reserve Chemical Corps, achieving the rank of sergeant. Sortwell's career includes roles in local government, such as serving on the Green Bay city council and the board of supervisors of Gibson. He has also worked as a legislative aide and ran for state assembly, gaining experience in both the public and legislative sectors.

Shae Sortwell's political identity is marked by a blend of fiscal conservatism and socially conservative values. He has consistently advocated for tax relief and opposed significant tax increases, while also pushing for stringent work requirements and drug tests for welfare recipients. This combination suggests a unique approach to welfare reform that balances economic incentives with moral imperatives. His staunch support for traditional policing, juxtaposed with his fiscally conservative stance, reveals a complex ideological alignment that merits further exploration.