Frances Lee

Frances Lee is a Professor of Politics and Public Affairs at Princeton University, jointly appointed in the Department of Politics and the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. Her research focuses on American politics, congressional dynamics, and political polarization. She holds a B.A. from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.

Lee’s work examines legislative behavior, party politics, and the impact of polarization on governance. Notable books include Insecure Majorities: Congress and the Perpetual Campaign (2016) and Beyond Ideology: Politics, Principles, and Partisanship in the U.S. Senate (2009). She co-authored Sizing Up The Senate (1999) and the textbook Congress and Its Members.

Her research has been published in top journals like the American Political Science Review and Journal of Politics. Lee serves as editor of the Cambridge Elements Series in American Politics and has held editorial roles at Legislative Studies Quarterly. Honors include being a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Distinguished Scholar-Teacher award from the University of Maryland.

Recent articles analyze partisan lawmaking, congressional capacity, and the challenges of governance in polarized environments. Her work frequently addresses the interplay between electoral pressures and legislative decision-making.

• Education: Ph.D., Vanderbilt University; B.A., University of Southern Mississippi
• Grants/Awards: Over 15 major awards, including the D.B. Hardeman Prize (2009 and 1999) and Richard F. Fenno, Jr. Award.
• Media Engagement: Featured in PBS, CNN, and other outlets for her analysis of pandemic governance and political polarization.
• Teaching: Courses include Congressional Politics and seminars on legislative processes.