Edwards was born and raised in Nelsonville, Ohio, where he graduated from Nelsonville-York High School.
After high school he attended nearby Ohio University on a football scholarship, where he studied mathematics.
Edwards is a licensed realtor, and recently begun work in medical sales within the drug treatment market.
[3] Democrats nonetheless fielded Sarah Grace, a small-business owner from Athens who was a newcomer to politics and a liberal.
[4] In the end, in what was a very good year for Republicans, Edwards defeated Grace by a 58% to 42% margin, taking the seat.