His parents worked many jobs including driving instructors, takeout restaurant owners, etc.

After receiving a GED, he went to the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he majored in political science and minored in Chinese.

Lau graduated in 2000, and planned to return to New York; instead he was hired by John Kerry's staff and asked for a job working with constituents.

Lau briefly worked in the United States Department of Commerce for President Barack Obama.

[5][6] Lau is partnered with Amanda Coulombe, a political field organizer who emphasizes technology, and they reside in Somerville, Massachusetts.