Preston Lea was born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1841. He held influential leadership roles in Wilmington's economic sector, including serving as president of the Wilmington Board of Trade and the Union National Bank. Lea managed a family business, William Lea & Sons, following his father's death. His career achievements and transitions established a strong foundation in both private and public sectors, culminating in his election as Governor of Delaware in 1904.

Preston Lea's political identity is marked by a strategic blend of local economic advocacy and progressive educational reforms. He championed industrial growth and infrastructure modernization in Wilmington, Delaware, while simultaneously supporting legislation that mandated children's school attendance. Lea's approach to Prohibition was notably flexible, endorsing local option laws that allowed counties to decide on alcohol sales. This juxtaposition of progressive educational policies with a pragmatic stance on alcohol regulation highlights an ideologically agile approach, balancing regional economic interests with broader social reforms.