Edwards, a laborer at Des Moines Public Schools, is running for Senate District 16, which includes the east side of Des Moines and most of Pleasant Hill. He has never run for public office before but said he is doing so out of concern with the direction of the state.
Edwards, 48, grew up on Des Moines’ south side and graduated from Des Moines Tech High School in 1981. He enlisted in the Iowa National Guard the next year, serving a 6-year term. Since then, he has worked mainly in the construction industry and owned his own construction business until he was hired as a laborer for the Des Moines Public Schools in 2002.
“As a laborer, I have had opportunity to work with Republicans and Democrats alike. I have grown to understand that the issues we face, we face as Iowans, and not as Democrats or Republicans,” said Edwards. “I am committed to working for everyone in my district.”
Edwards is a former officer on the Mitchell Elementary PTA, the Des Moines Housing Appeals Board and a board member for the Valley High Manor Neighborhood Association. Currently, he is a member of the Carlisle VFW Post 2099, and serves in the Color Guard there, helping to provide flag and rifle ceremony presence at funerals for those who have served in the military.
Edwards and his wife Teressa have seven children; and one granddaughter.
Sen. Dick Dearden, a D-Des Moines, currently lives in the district and is seeking releection.