Lana Lang grew up in Smallville, not far from the Kent household. Lana and Clark have been best friends since they were schoolchildren. As they grew up, their relationship matured into a budding romance, and Lana believed that one day she would become Mrs. Clark Kent. Those visions were abruptly lost when Clark confided in her about some strange things that had happened to him.

Lana knew then that she could never have Clark to herself--the world needed him as Superman. But she still cared deeply for him, and agreed to keep his secret. Even when she was kidnapped by Lex Luthor and tortured in an attempt to get her to reveal what she knew about Superman, she kept the secret.

As the years passed, Lana remained in touch with Clark, as best friends do. Whenever he flew home to visit his parents, he would always find some time to spend with Lana as well.

When Clark told Lana that he wanted to pursue a romantic relationship with Lois Lane, Lana was heartbroken. But she was able to move on herself. She began dating Peter Ross, whom she eventually married. Pete, Clark, and Lana had all been very close friends growing up in Smallville. When Pete moved to Washington DC to work on Capitol Hill, Lana went with him. They soon fell in love, and Pete asked Lana to marry him.

Lana was kidnapped by the Sons of Liberty, a domestic terrorist group that threatened to kill her unless Pete submitted to their demands. Only the timely intervention of the Man of Steel saved both Pete and Lana's lives.

After the Sons of Liberty were brought to justice, Pete left the Senate and he and Lana returned to Kansas, where they were married.

Pete and Lana were targeted by Conduit, the supervillain who knew Superman's secret identity. Superman's timely arrival saved their lives.

When Lex Luthor became President of the United States after the 2000 elections, Pete Ross became his Vice President and Lana Lang the Second Lady. When Lex Luthor fell from the office in disgrace, Pete Ross became the President.

Pete always felt a little jealous of the relationship Lana seemed to have with Clark. Pete's jealousy of Clark and Lana's relationship led Lana to file for divorce. However, after Pete decided not to run for reelection so that he could spend more time with his family, Lana agreed to try for a reconciliation.