Biography

Laurel Frances Lee, born on March 26, 1974, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is an American attorney and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 15th Congressional District since January 3, 2023. Raised in a military family, she is the daughter of a two-star general in the United States Air Force. Lee is a member of the Republican Party and resides in eastern Hillsborough County with her husband, former Florida State Senator Tom Lee, and their three children.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: University of Florida, 1996
• Juris Doctor: University of Florida Levin College of Law, 1999

Political Experience

• U.S. Representative for Florida's 15th Congressional District: Elected in 2022, re-elected in 2024. Serves on the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees. Introduced the REINS Act to limit executive overreach and reduce government regulations.
• Florida Secretary of State: Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, served from January 2019 to May 2022. Focused on strengthening Florida's election infrastructure and cybersecurity defenses.
• Circuit Court Judge, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida: Appointed by Governor Rick Scott, served from 2013 to 2019. Presided over civil, family, appellate, and criminal cases.
• Federal Prosecutor, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida: Investigated and prosecuted cases involving white-collar crime, violent crime, and the sexual exploitation of children.

Notable Achievements

• Legislation: Introduced the REPORT Act, signed into law, enhancing reporting procedures for crimes involving child sexual abuse.
• Community Funding: Secured over $13 million in community project funding for the Tampa Bay Area, including allocations for cancer research, emergency operations, and veterans' resources.
• Constituent Services: Assisted with over 1,400 cases involving federal agencies and returned nearly $7 million to constituents.

Lee's career reflects a commitment to public service, focusing on election integrity, legal reform, and community support.