McGee was a registered Republican for her entire political career, and was frequently cross-endorsed by the Conservative Party of New York.

Prior to her foray into politics, McGee worked as a secretary and administrative assistant at Franklinville Central School and the Olean campus of Jamestown Community College.

She was often seen as a conservative maverick; she was one of only seven Senate votes who opposed an increase in the state's minimum wage, on the principle that it would put her Southern Tier district at a competitive disadvantage with neighboring counties in Pennsylvania.

McGee was instrumental in helping her longtime associate in the State Senate, Randy Kuhl, get elected to Congress in 2004.

To this day, McGee is seen in a high regard as a New York State politician, and her status in Cattaraugus County borders on legendary.