Lewis Rome holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Connecticut. He began his career in public service on the town council of Bloomfield, eventually becoming the town's mayor. Rome transitioned to the state senate, where he served for several terms and held leadership positions as majority and minority leader. He chaired the nominating committee for the National Conference of State Legislatures and ran for lieutenant governor and governor. Rome chaired the University of Connecticut's board of trustees and was instrumental in securing significant state funding for the university's infrastructure. He also advised the Mohegan Tribe, supporting their efforts to gain federal recognition and develop the Mohegan Sun casino.

Lewis Rome's political career is marked by a blend of local advocacy and strategic alliances, particularly in education and infrastructure. His support for the University of Connecticut, including the UConn Health Center and UConn 2000 legislation, shows a commitment to regional development. Rome's involvement in the Mohegan Sun project reveals an ability to navigate complex Native American affairs, blending legal acumen with political lobbying. His legislative record indicates a calculated approach to balancing state interests with local development initiatives.